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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider Gokongwei's URC opens 31-hectare 'mega plant' as food output expands

Gokongwei's URC opens 31-hectare 'mega plant' as food output expands

Published Aug 13, 2026 04:25 pm
Universal Robina Corporation (URC) inaugurates its Mega Plant in Malvar, Batangas. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are Lance Y. Gokongwei, URC Chairman (5th from right), Irwin C. Lee, URC President and Chief Executive Officer (5th from left) and Hon. Artemio C. Abu, Mayor of Malvar, Batangas (4th from right). They are joined by (from left to right) David J. Lim, Jr., Chief Technology Officer; Jesselyn P. Panis, URC Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer; Vicente Millera Villanueva, Barangay Captain of San Pioquinto, Malvar; Mian David, Group President of URC Branded Consumer Foods Group (BCFG) Philippines; Rolando Tumambing, from the office Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto; Atty. Cristine Collantes-Garcia, from the office of Congressman King Collantes; and Tereso O. Panga, Director General of Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
Universal Robina Corporation (URC) inaugurates its Mega Plant in Malvar, Batangas. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are Lance Y. Gokongwei, URC Chairman (5th from right), Irwin C. Lee, URC President and Chief Executive Officer (5th from left) and Hon. Artemio C. Abu, Mayor of Malvar, Batangas (4th from right). They are joined by (from left to right) David J. Lim, Jr., Chief Technology Officer; Jesselyn P. Panis, URC Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer; Vicente Millera Villanueva, Barangay Captain of San Pioquinto, Malvar; Mian David, Group President of URC Branded Consumer Foods Group (BCFG) Philippines; Rolando Tumambing, from the office Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto; Atty. Cristine Collantes-Garcia, from the office of Congressman King Collantes; and Tereso O. Panga, Director General of Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
The Gokongwei Group’s food and beverage unit, Universal Robina Corp. (URC), has begun operations at its Malvar Mega Plant—designated as its “factory of the future”—as part of its long-term growth strategy.
“For 70 years, URC has taken pride in delighting generations of consumers with good food choices. Seven years in the making, the Malvar Mega Plant is a testament to that commitment as we continue to strengthen our capabilities and delight consumers with quality food choices for generations to come,” said URC President and CEO Irwin C. Lee.
Lee noted that the opening of the new facility will serve as a key driver of the company's future growth.
“We have been part of the everyday lives of millions of families—from their first cup of coffee in the morning to the iconic snacks and beverages they enjoy with family and friends,” URC Chairman Lance Y. Gokongwei said. “But staying close to the heart of Filipino families also means we must continue to evolve, innovate, and prepare for the future. This mega plant marks an important new chapter in our journey. It is a cornerstone of our next phase of growth and a symbol of our commitment to the future.”
Built on a 31-hectare site in Malvar, Batangas, the facility brings together advanced manufacturing technologies, digitalization, automation, and sustainable engineering to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety.
The investment comes as local manufacturing continues to evolve. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the manufacture of food products grew by 6.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, making it the largest contributor to manufacturing growth during that period.
The facility was designed with a long-term master plan that allows the site to expand alongside URC’s growth, optimizing the flow of personnel and materials to improve productivity while ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and operational standards.
The plant currently produces popular URC snacks Piattos and Mang Juan. A new bakery facility and a ready-to-drink (RTD) manufacturing operation are already in the pipeline as the site expands over the coming years.
The Malvar Mega Plant serves as both a celebration of the company's legacy and a foundation for its future—advancing smarter manufacturing, driving continued innovation, and strengthening its commitment to delight consumers for years to come. (James A. Loyola)

Related Tags

Universal Robina Corporation Irwin Lee Lance Gokongwei
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