Building Laos with determination: The story of PROCON and its director

When we pass by a new building under construction, a bridge rising over a river, or the electricity poles lining a road, we rarely think about the people and companies behind these structures.
But for Director of PROCON Company Limited, Mr Thongphet Phutthavong, these structures represent not just engineering work but years of effort, dreams, and belief in the ability of Lao people to achieve great things.
Today PROCON is known as a reliable supplier of high-quality concrete piles and electricity poles across Laos. But the road to success began with very humble beginnings; a small factory, and one big challenge that would later become a turning point in the company’s history.
A challenge that became a milestone
A few years ago, PROCON received an order to manufacture and deliver 2,400 concrete piles in just two months for the construction of the BIG C complex. It was a tough deadline, and many customers doubted whether a small Lao factory could complete such a large order on time. But for Mr Thongphet, this was an opportunity to prove what his team was capable of.
The impossible is achieved
From 7:00 am until midnight, every day for two months in 2022, the workers, all of whom were Lao, poured their energy into meeting the deadline. They organised shifts, improved their workflows, and worked with a level of commitment that made him proud.
“We were a small factory, and many thought it was impossible,” Mr Thongphet says. “But we didn’t give up. We finished the job on time, and it showed what Lao workers can achieve when they work together with determination.”
This achievement did not only satisfy the customer, it strengthened the confidence of the entire team and laid the foundations for PROCON’s future expansion. Today, the company can produce up to 11,000 concrete piles in less than three months, a huge improvement from its earlier capacity.

Mr Thongphet Phutthavong, Director of PROCON Company Limited.

Growing with the nation
The success of PROCON is not measured only in output figures. It is also reflected in the lives of the 250 workers employed inside and outside the factory. For Mr Thongphet, providing stable jobs for Lao people is one of the company’s greatest achievements. It also supports the overarching aim of the Party and state to develop the country and improve people’s livelihoods.
One of PROCON’s most outstanding accomplishments was the construction of a massive steel-frame building in Hongsa, measuring 76 metres wide and 680 metres long. Even more impressive than the size was the speed and safety of the work undertaken, as the entire structure was completed in five months with no accidents. This accomplishment demonstrated the company’s focus on both quality and worker wellbeing.
Expanding into concrete piles and electricity poles
PROCON’s beginnings centred on the manufacture and construction of steel structures, but increasing competition spurred the company to diversify and the team began supplying imported concrete piles. As demand grew, the company decided to bring production in-house and established P-CONC Company Limited, an affiliated company specialising in the manufacture of concrete piles.
Today, P-CONC produces a range of prestressed concrete piles, prefabricated beams, and foundation products. Using modern machinery and complying with industry standards, the company serves construction projects throughout Vientiane and the provinces.
They produce prestressed square piles measuring 180×180mm, 220×220mm, 260×260mm, 300×300mm, 350×350mm, 400×400mm, and 450×450mm.
As their reputation grew, customers began asking if PROCON could also supply electricity poles. Seeing a clear demand, the company branched out into the new product line and before long supplies were selling out daily. Demand was strong, and PROCON realised it had become a trusted name in this sector.
The company now produces electricity poles in lengths of 8, 12, 16, 18, and 22 metres.
Modern technology has played a key role in their success. Computerised systems monitor production around the clock, ensuring consistent quality. The factory operates almost nonstop, with minimal downtime, to meet nationwide demand.
Looking forward, PROCON plans to build a second factory in Savannakhet province within the next five years, further expanding production capacity and serving even more customers across the country.
A journey of learning and self-development
Behind PROCON’s success is a personal journey fueled by continuous learning. Mr Thongphet believes that three habits brought him to where he is today: study, reading, and observing development in Laos and around the world.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science in 2006, worked with a Vietnamese company for three years, and earned his master’s degree in 2012. During his studies, he developed a strong interest in business after reading books about management and entrepreneurship.
His early career path began with small contracting work. Over time, he transitioned from contractor to manufacturer and eventually to investor. He believes that anyone wanting to follow a similar path should first raise their own capital, start small, become both self-employed and an investor, and become fully acquainted with business and financial management.
Today he mixes the roles of business operator and investor, with the long-term dream of becoming a full investor.
A message to Lao youth
Mr Thongphet urges young people to appreciate the value of local education. “Many students want to take courses in other countries, but it is vital that we strengthen our own universities and teachers. When education in Laos improves, the younger generation will be able to gain the skills they need right here at home.”
Proud to contribute to Laos’ 50 years of development
On the occasion of the Lao PDR’s 50th National Day, he expresses deep pride in the fact that the Party and state have led the country forward, and says PROCON is honoured to play a small part in developing Laos in this new era of growth.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update December 1, 2025)