Japanese motorcycle giant Yamaha Motor has expanded its Philippine motorcycle manufacturing operation with P2.691 billion investments and hiring of additional 1,300 jobs for its plant in Batangas.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito “Ching” Plaza, who attended the inauguration of the Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc., (YMPH) Monday, February 22, at the Lima Technology Center, Malvar, Batangas said the expansion project will add 1,300 workers to its existing 1,500 workforce.
The manufacturing plant inauguration also formally marked the start of operation of the PEZA approved plant expansion with Supplemental Agreement last January 15, 2020.
“This is also Yamaha’s testament to their commitment to further business operations in the Philippines,” said Plaza.
YMPH has been with PEZA since its registration on September 5, 2007. This is part of PEZA’s aim to attract Japanese companies to locate and invest here in the Philippines.
Plaza lauded Yamaha ad other PEZA locators for their continued operations and for keeping the Philippines afloat and protected amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, thus preserving jobs of Filipinos.
“PEZA welcomes Yamaha’s expansion project especially during this time that we are reeling from the uncertainties at hand,” Plaza said.
The PEZA Chief also emphasized that PEZA has always been supportive of these relative projects as it aims to encourage locators not to leave nor transfer but to
expand and continue operations in economic zones amidst the pandemic.
YMPH President Hiroshi Koike noted that the new factory is in time for the increasing demand for automatic models as the pandemic shifted the mode of public transportation from commuting to general use of mobility.
“Generating a huge number of products will result to creation of more jobs roughly about 1500 employees for old factory and additional recruitment of 1300 workforce for this newly-built factory. This is in line with our corporate social responsibility in contributing to the enhancement of the Philippine economy,” said Koike. The opening of the new factory in the Philippines also marked his 34 years in Yamaha Motor.
He said that YMPH aims to continuously cooperate with PEZA in expanding their business in order to also fulfill the mission of Yamaha Motor Philippines which is having the highest growth in the motorcycle industry among ASEAN countries and to take pride in impressing the Filipino people by creating products that are beyond expectations.
“We look forward to strengthening our partnership with you to achieve our goal of transforming the Philippines to become an investment haven in Asia.” PEZA Chief said.
As PEZA continues to do its best in promoting the creation of economic zones especially in the countryside, Plaza encourages locator companies to retain this in the entire nation and attain much inclusive growth for the Philippines.