BJ Mercantile Inc. (BJM), possibly known by most as the distributor of Scania trucks and buses, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, announcing further growth of its portfolio to include new brand partners.
BJ Mercantile Inc. started from a small business importing used engines in 1974 to a major player in the trucking industry. Today, BJM boasts a diverse portfolio that includes automotive, logistics, real estate, petroleum, and power generation.
Humble beginnings
Founded by Jimmy and Belen Lim, BJ Mercantile started by importing used vehicles and trucks, establishing a foundation for its future success in the Philippine trucking industry. Despite challenges posed by the economic and political climate of the 1970s, the Lims' foresight and resilience enabled them to expand into construction and industrial machinery. This early success paved the way for BJM’s long-term growth and diversification, particularly in trucking and heavy transport.
Expansion into commercial vehicles
BJM's growth in the trucking and automotive sectors has been crucial to its success. In 2000, the company established Microvan Inc. in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, focusing on importing and trading used construction machinery, trucks, and trailers. This venture eventually led to the founding of Microvan Leasing in 2011, specializing in crane rentals for construction projects nationwide, thereby reinforcing BJM's presence in heavy transport and logistics support.
A major milestone occurred in 2014, when BJM became the exclusive dealer for Scania, a leading global manufacturer of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications. This partnership enhanced BJM’s position in the commercial vehicle market and provided advanced transport solutions to the expanding needs of the logistics and infrastructure sectors in the Philippines. The recent celebration of their 10-year partnership attests to the success and strong market presence of Scania trucks in the region.
In 2023, BJM further expanded its trucking offerings by signing an exclusive deal with Ashok-Leyland, a major commercial vehicle manufacturer. This partnership enables BJM to provide a comprehensive range of trucks and buses, catering to diverse market needs across the Philippines. Shortly thereafter, BJM partnered with Japanese manufacturer Fuso to distribute its trucks and buses, further enhancing its lineup of commercial vehicles and expanding customer choices.
Hongqi partnership
Leveraging its expertise in commercial vehicles, BJM is preparing to enter the passenger vehicle market. Starting in 2025, the company will market vehicles from Hongqi, a luxury automotive brand from China. Renowned for its advanced technology and luxurious features, Hongqi's entry into the Philippine market signifies a major expansion for BJM as it seeks to become a more comprehensive player in the automotive industry. The Hongqi partnership reflects BJM's ambition to engage with new segments and meet the evolving demands of Filipino consumers, particularly in the premium vehicle sector.
Diversified ventures
To bolster its growing trucking and automotive operations, BJM has diversified into related sectors. In 2008, the company ventured into petroleum through Micro Dragon Petroleum Inc., ensuring a steady fuel supply for its fleet and customers. Additionally, Royal Dragon Ocean Transport began operating 10 LCT vessels to serve the mining and construction sectors, industries that heavily depend on trucking and logistics services.
In 2018, BJM launched the San Simon Cold Storage facility in Pampanga, with a capacity of 3,400 pallets. This facility enhances the logistics chain by providing reliable storage solutions for goods transported by BJM's trucking fleet. When Scania discontinued its generator line in 2019, BJM took the opportunity to partner with AJ Power, which enhanced its offerings in diesel generators to support various infrastructure projects, particularly those reliant on efficient trucking and heavy transport.
A legacy of excellence and a vision for the future
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Leilani Lim Tan, Vice President of BJ Mercantile Inc., expressed gratitude and optimism. “It has been quite a remarkable run for BJM during these past 5 decades and we would like to thank all our employees, partners and customers for their continued trust and support. But we are not yet done growing, we look forward to expanding our inventory and to entering other high growth businesses in the coming years,” she stated.