AAK breaks ground for site in Batangas

AAK held a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony for its new customisation plant in Batangas, the first of its kind in Philippines.

(Photo: AAK)

The event was attended by Atty. Joel Atienza, representative and Chief of Staff of Congressman Raneo Abu of the 2nd District of Batangas; Administrator Levie Dimaunahan from the Office of Governor Hermilando Mandanas of the Province of Batangas; Mayor Roanna Conti of the Municipality of San Pascual; H.E. Harald Fries, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines; and Atty. Leo Dominguez, Chairman of the Philippine Sweden Business Council within the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI).

Present from AAK were Michael Skriver, President of AAK Philippines and Regional Director of AAK Southeast Asia; Abhijyoti Majumdar, Finance Director; Ronaldo Siquiera, Project Director; and Cristilito Marcojos, AAK Philippines Plant Manager and VP for Operations.

The Coconut Industry Investment Fund – Oil Mills Group (CIIF-OMG) was represented by Eddie Delima, Chairman; Elizabeth Carlos-Timbol, Director; Atty. Rehan Lao, incoming President; and Mamerto Bernardo, Head of Marketing & Sales.

The plant is located on a land owned by oils and fats refinery San Pablo Manufacturing Company in Batangas, approximately 100 kilometers south of Manila. “This new premise will be another state-of-the-art plant, that will meet the needs of our expected future growth for Philippines or the entire South East Asian regions. It will enhance operations which, when operational, will be able to serve our Dairy, Infant Nutrition, Food Service and Chocolate & Confectionery Fats segments,” stated Michael Skriver, the President for AAK Philippines.

This marks another important milestone for AAK to further strengthen its presence in the strategically important Asian market after the establishment of AAK Kamani in Mumbai, AAK Miyoshi in Japan, the newly constructed speciality and semi-speciality edible oils factory in Zhangjiagang, China, and the new AAK Innovation Centre in Singapore this year.

“With this new operation, we will be able to better manage the local supply chain and the export markets,” stated Michael Skriver. “The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economy in Asia driven by strong, and domestic consumption in the country. With a fast growing economy the demand for speciality and semi speciality edible oils AAK in Philippines is expected to grow strongly.”

Related report: AAK to open plant in the Philippines