Mabuhay Vinyl Corp. (MVC), the Philippines’ sole producer of chlor-alkali products, said it completed a major expansion of its Iligan City plant, increasing production capacity by 68 percent.
The P630-million investment ensures the company would meet the country’s growing demand for crucial chemicals like caustic soda and chlorine.
“As we look to the future, I am excited about the potential for more projects that will enhance MVC’s competitiveness in the industry,” said MVC president and chief operating officer Steve Pangilinan during the inauguration of the plant in August.
The expansion includes modernizing MVC’s ion exchange membrane (IEM) plant 2, the only one of its kind in the Philippines.
The facility is crucial for supplying key raw materials to various industries, including those producing consumer goods.
The expansion also improved MVC’s distribution capabilities, enhancing marine tanker capacity and depot facilities.
“As the only chlor-alkali facility in the country, we recognize MVC’s role in nation-building as the prime supplier of organic and inorganic compounds needed by many industries to transform natural raw materials into consumer goods that are important in daily life,” said BOI executive director for investments promotion services Evariste Cagatan.
The upgraded facilities also showcase MVC’s commitment to sustainability. The latest energy-efficient technologies were implemented, reducing power and steam consumption, generating steam from waste process heat, and utilizing hydrogen by-products, all contributing to lower carbon emissions.
“We are constantly facing challenges in keeping up with the increasing demand in the Philippines,” said MVC chairman and chief executive Yohei Chikamoto.
As the only company in the Philippines producing chlorine in commercial quantities and supplying over 50 percent of the country’s sodium hypochlorite needs, MVC’s expansion further strengthens its leadership in the market.
“Our challenges will continue until we meet the growing demand in the Philippines. For that to be realized, we need seamless support from our authorities and shareholders, as well as consistent efforts by our dedicated employees,” said Chikamoto.
