FPIP supports resurgence of manufacturing industry

In 2013, the Philippines was struck by Super Typhoon Haiyan, a category 5 tropical cyclone. Amid the devastation and destruction, the Philippine economy recorded a 7.2 per cent growth and was the second-fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia that year. 

Exhibiting remarkable resiliency, the Philippines is primed to continue its upward trajectory. First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), the country's leading industrial property, aims to be one of the catalysts that will further propel the country to greater global competitiveness.

A joint venture between First Philippine Holdings (FPH) Corp and Japan's Sumitomo Corp, International Organization for Standardization-certified FPIP is the owner, developer and manager of a 442-hectare industrial property in Santo Tomas, and Tanauan, Batangas province, for hi-tech and export-oriented industries. 

"We want to help create more awareness about the resurgence of the vibrancy of the Philippines as an investment site, particularly in manufacturing, by providing a better place for investors to conduct business," says Edwin CoSeteng, FPIP president and FPH senior vice-president. 

FPIP is home to a variety of multinational firms across many sectors. Canon Business Machines manufactures laserjet printers in the park. B/E Aerospace produces aircraft galleys and interior structure products. Included in the long list of locators are the Philippine subsidiaries of Japanese firms Honda, Shimano and Thermos, and Swiss conglomerate Nestle, and United States brands such as Philip Morris and Sunpower, among others. 

Opening its doors to more companies, FPIP plans to acquire an additional 200 hectares of land within the next two years. Also in the pipeline is the development of a commercial area in the park. The company aims to make the park a livelier, more interesting place to work in.