Tamron is set to build a new lens factory in Vietnam as part of a three-year strategy to boost production, largely fuelled by predicted growth in compact system cameras and DSLRs.

Tamron president Morio Ono said the firm this year plans to launch ?many new models?, including APS-C-size optics.

It also expects to ?triple the development power? of micro four thirds lenses over the next five years, Ono said in a speech reported in Japanese publication Photo Trade Express.

A new plant in Hanoi, Vietnam ? set to open next year ? will become a ?cost effective OEM base?, according to a subsequent article in Pen News Weekly.

Tamron currently runs three factories in Japan and one in China.

?The new factory is built on steady ground, without fear of floods,? reports Pen.

?It is close to the airport and favourably located in terms of distribution. Its production costs are lower than Thailand.?

A spokesperson for Tamron UK today told us it is aware of the reported Vietnam plant scheduled to open in 2013, but will not be issuing an official statement.