AYUDHAYA, THAILAND -- Benchmark Electronics has restarted operations here a week ahead of its planned schedule.

The factory, located in the Hi-Tech Industrial Estate in Ayudhaya, sustained damage to its buildings and equipment as a result of floodwaters breaching the levee protecting the industrial park, and the Company ceased production at the factory in October until the floodwaters receded and operational safety could be confirmed.

Benchmark said its factory is the first to reopen in the Hi-Tech Industrial Estate. While the plant was offline, the contract electronics manufacturer restarted its Korat facility, which will remain open.

In a statement, chief executive Cary Fu said the Thai government has "vowed to invest in new infrastructure to ensure that such a disaster will not be repeated," including new floodways for channeling water and an improved levee system around the industrial park.