THE construction of the P2.5-billion German plant at the First Philippine Industrial Plant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas is well under way and is expected to be completed in time for its inauguration in January 2016.
“We are well within our target and we expect that our plant will be up and running in the first quarter of 2016,” said Dr. Karsten Wagner, managing director of one of the largest German firms in the country Zama Precision Industry Manufacturing Inc.
Zama is a subsidiary of Stihl, the German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld power equipment, like trimmers and blowers, and its trademark carburetor for small fuel engines.
Zama Holdings is recognized as a technology leader and the world’s largest manufacturer of diaphragm carburetors and has plants in Japan, Hong Kong, China, and the United States. It has 2,400 employees worldwide and produces more than 14 million carburetors in about 350 different models.
Zama’s 60,000-square meter facility broke ground in September last year, with no less than Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director-General Lilia B. de Lima, Christof Wegner, representative of German Ambassador to the Philippines Thomas Ossowski, and ranking officials of the STIHL Group attending the formal launch.
Zama’s manufacturing plant will utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure that top-quality products, for which it is known for, are provided to its customers.
As of September, five buildings comprising the Zama complex is close to completion. The constructed area of 22,500 square meters will house the administration offices, main production area, die-casting area, warehouse and utility areas, among others.
Zama has committed to operate in the Philippines for the long term, stressing that the decision to locate in the Philippines will prove beneficial.
“The Philippines is an attractive industrial location. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region; it is politically stable compared to other countries in the region and has a well-structured educational system with English as an official language,” said Dr. Bertram Kandziora, Stihl executive board chairman, who was in the country last year during the groundbreaking ceremonies.