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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM witnesses signing of deal to bring 200 jobs to PH in EV bike building

PBBM witnesses signing of deal to bring 200 jobs to PH in EV bike building

Published May 2, 2023 02:49 am
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, May 1 (US time), witnessed the signing of a a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) of the Ayala Group and California-based Zero Motorcycles that would bring some 200 jobs to the Philippines for the manufacture of electric motorcycles. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) stands as witness to the signing of a a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Ayala Group's Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) and California-based Zero Motorcycles. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office) The Chief Executive is currently in the United States (US) for a meeting with US President Joe Biden. The cooperation agreement, which has a projected amount of $65 million, would see Zero Motorcycles  setting up its first electronic vehicle (EV) motorcycle manufacturing site in the Philippines. IMI would be assembling Zero’s electric motorcycle models, as well as other assemblies, in its facility in Laguna in conjunction with the manufacturing facilities for Zero in California. A representative of Zero said during the meeting that it was “in the process of globalizing our manufacturing business” and described the Philippines as a “clear choice” for its business. “The Philippines… for us [is] a perfect partner for us to expand our manufacturing. This is a good place for us to build a global manufacturing base,” the representative added. The IMI-Zero operations are said to be “a pioneering activity for the Philippines for the assembly of an electric motorcycle platform.” It is expected to yield some 200 jobs for its assembly line, from manufacturing, packing, and shipping some 18,000 EVs expected to be produced per year. Aside from bringing in jobs, the cooperation is also seen to support the Philippines’ development of its electric vehicle ecosystem. The IMI-Zero facility in Laguna will be assembling full electric motorcycles for Zero’s Europe, Asia, and other markets, while supporting US demands for sub-assemblies. Joining the President in the business meeting were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez. Among those who attended the meeting for the IMI include Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala and Automotive and Industrial regional manager Dave Corry. Zero Motorcycles, on the other hand, were represented by its Chief Executive Officer Sam Paschel and Chief Operating Officer Alex Acket.

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Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. MOA United States Ayala Corporation President Marcos Zero Motorcycles electric motorcycles
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