The EMS Group of Companies is anticipating the entry of a partner European firm, specializing in consumer goods, that will occupy a facility in Batangas, and begin operations early next year with a potential 5,000 new jobs.
At the sidelines of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (PCCI) General Membership meeting on April 5, EMS Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ferdinand "Perry" Ferrer disclosed to reporters that the company is a "big European brand," whose name cannot yet be disclosed.
The partnership with this company is aligned with their expansion plans, resulting from efforts to attract big investors in the Philippines.
The company will operate in a new facility in Batangas, focused on manufacturing consumer products, and generate an estimate of 4,500 to 5,000 jobs to Filipinos, remarked Ferrer.
"Hopefully, we can start facilitation by June this year. The facility is there so now we have to refacilitate it to be able to suit this new company," he said.
Ferrer explained that it will take around four to five months to facilitate the site. Afterwards, they expect to qualify the building, or meet international qualifications for the facility by the fourth quarter.
EMS intends to operationalize the facility by the first quarter of 2025.
Aside from this, Ferrer noted that they are also expanding semiconductor operations in their hub in Laguna Technopark. He remarked that Phase 1 of their expansion was successful, and hopes for a larger second phase.
He also shared that they are eyeing more foreign investors, specifically Japanese and American companies involved in semiconductors, to choose the Philippines as hub for their operations.
If the collaboration with EMS pushes through, Ferrer noted that it can create around 2,600 high-paying jobs for Filipinos. The investments may also have a combined value of $700 million to $750 million from both firms.
"Potentially, we're partners but its not a priority for me personally, as long as we get the companies here," he said.
"The investment is good, but it will force us to upskill our workers," he added.
The operations would most likely be conducted in economic zones in CALABARZON.