Philippines concludes metalworking expo with promising responses

Organised by Vision Exhibition Services Co. Ltd, IMTP2018 is one of the biggest industry expo organised in the country. IMTP2018 has registered more than 200 international group participation and exhibitors from 11 regions and countries, namely, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and EU.

“We are most pleased that the expo has received an overwhelming responses from the international exhibitors. More than 85 percent of our exhibitors are foreign companies, and 24 percent of these exhibitors are exhibiting in Philippines for the very first time,” said Sandra Tseng, managing director of Vision Exhibition Services Co. Ltd.

Manufacturing in the Philippines is expanding as demand grows rapidly. Thus, the IMTP2018 attracted a large number of foreign exhibitors to showcase a series of machineries. Except the VIP delegations from Japan and Korea, local manufacturers also visited IMTP to seek trading opportunities.

What exhibitors say about IMTPEXPO 2018?

Chang Kuo Pong, Manager, Yuang Hsian Metal Industrial Corp.

Yuan Hsian Metal showcased brass rod and wire, including EDM wire. The target industries for these products are the high-end manufacturing of consumer materials and high-end product materials. Chang Kuo Pong says the company has been doing some business in the Philippines for seven years. But has only focused last year. At this point, all products are still manufactured in Taiwan due to the fact that it’s a bit complicated to change the team.

In five to 10 years, Kuo Pong sees the Japanese, US and European companies moving their manufacturing bases from China to South East Asia, and Philippines has the best opportunity. Future plans involve some semi-production base but still under discussion.

“Philippines is a developing country allowed to pay less or no duties on their exports to Europe and United States giving them vital access to their economic growth. As a result, it becomes a good opportunity for those with manufacturing bases in the region,” he explains.

If there will be another metalworking show next year, Chang Kuo Pong says they will definitely join again. “I’m very interested in the Philippine market not only on the metal manufacturing but also the aquaculture.”

Joe Allan A. Regis, Product Specialist Manager, Chain-Headway Machine Tools Co. Ltd

The company is highlighting ACM (aluminium change milling cutter). “We are presenting the second version of our ACM here at the show, which is intended for the aerospace, automotive and information technology industries. It’s a milling cutter that gives you a mirror surface finish,” he states.

Regis started promoting Chain-Headway four years ago, and two years later Chain-Headway decided to establish an office in Carmona, Cavite. “We opened the office to support our customers request and to have a place to store our stocks here in the Philippines. Most of our clients demand for their products immediately and we would like to quickly provide them with what they need. Thus, is the reason for starting an office here,” Regis explains.

At this point, the company’s milling cutters are all produced in Taiwan. However in the future, Regis hopes to be able to have at least one production line here in the Philippines to support huge volume orders.

When asked about the state of the metalworking industry here in the Philippines, Regis reveals that they have been joining exhibitions here in the Philippines for years now and every time they see a lot of new manufacturing players. “The number of new entrants clearly shows that the country is doing great. For instance, we don’t have Indian players in the market before, but this year we see a number of Indian exhibitors.”

Lastly, Regis points out that they are here not just to sell but also help its clients. “We are their Cutting Edge Solution supplier,” he declares.

Ale Lee, Sales Manager, Dees Hydrulic Industrial Co. Ltd

At the show, Dees highlights its hydraulic presses mainly for car industry. “We manufacture our machines in Taiwan. Although we have another production facility in China, but it only caters to local the market. All machines for export we make in Taiwan,” says Ale Lee.

“Dees is forty five years old already, and we sold our first machine here in the Philippines twenty years ago. The reason why we are exhibiting here now is because we want to re-enter the Philippine market again for our hydraulic press; and to see if there is a demand for this kind of machine here in the Philippines,” he adds.

Ale Lee discloses, “I read some news about the Philippines and learned that the government is encouraging car manufacturers to set up their production plants here because there are a lot of old cars that must be replaced with new ones. Plus the sales of cars here is growing.”

“We believe these automotive companies will bring in more supporting industries and all those supporting industries are also our target customers. The company is positive that gradually the demand for our machines will be great. I understand also that some machines here in the Philippines must be upgraded, so we can see potential demand for our equipment as well,” he emphasises.

All Dees machines are custom-made. “We discuss the design of the machines according to customers’ requirements. Therefore it is built suitable for the customers’ production. We are also proud of our after-sales service,” Ale Lee claims.

He mentions, “This year we try to participate in more exhibitions in different countries to expose ourselves. We are also building a new factory in Taiwan to increase our capacity. In our new factory, most of the equipment we use are updated including the system of organising the new production plant to provide more opportunity and to deliver better quality and give better impression to our customers when they come to visit us. Our goal is to find more agents in different countries to sell our press machines. We believe that selling this kind of machine is important. The third plant is expected to be completed next year.”  

Jiro Wang, Account Manager Overseas Sales Dept, Chin Fong Machine Industrial Co. Ltd

“At this show we are exhibiting OCP- 110 stamping press,” says Jiro Wang. “It’s a basic mechanical press for all kinds of applications like forming, bending, joining and for industries such as automobile or any kind of industry that needs forming,” he adds

“We have been doing business here in the Philippines for over ten years. We have an agent here in Manila. We produce our products in Taiwan and China.  I find the Philippine metalworking market stable.  There are many manufacturers making press but I can say that we boast our quality, innovation, and some difference from other components,” Jiro explains.