Panasonic invests ₱3 billion to expand domestic footprint
Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp. (PMPC) is expanding its reach in the country by manufacturing appliances for the domestic market, with an investment commitment of more than ₱3 billion.
PMPC, the local subsidiary of Japanese manufacturing giant Panasonic Holdings Corp., has been operating in Laguna Technopark for over two decades as an export enterprise.
As an export enterprise, which is registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), products manufactured by PMPC are primarily allotted shipments abroad.
Last month, the company registered a new project with PEZA as a domestic market enterprise to formalize its expansion into the country.
Under Republic Act (RA) No. 7916, or the Special Economic Zone Act, a domestic market enterprise refers to a company whose production output is intended entirely for the local market.
PMPC’s new project in the country, which will also be located in Laguna Technopark in the city of Biñan, is expected to be worth more than ₱3 billion.
The facility will begin operations between 2026 and 2027 and is expected to generate jobs to over 340 Filipinos.
The company will manufacture electric fans, refrigerators, and washing machines at the new facility.
According to PEZA, PMPC is the industry leader in refrigerators and washing machines, while it ranks second in air conditioners.
Through its registration as a domestic market enterprise, PMPC will avail of the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under RA No. 9716 and RA No. 12066 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE).
Key incentives include an income tax holiday for five years from the start of commercial operations, enhanced deduction regime for 10 years with lowered corporate tax rate of 20 percent, and duty-free importation of capital equipment, raw materials and accessories for 15 years, among others.
“This development is expected to enhance the company's cost efficiency and competitiveness in serving domestic markets,” PMPC said in a public disclosure.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga said the company’s expansion reflects the continued trust in the country and the agency’s investor-friendly policies.
“PEZA welcomed the company’s renewed commitment and emphasized its readiness to support Panasonic as it scales up operations and brings new opportunities to Filipino workers and communities,” said Panga.
PEZA has registered ₱175.37 billion worth of investment pledges from January to October, up 42 percent from ₱123.76 billion in the same period last year.