IEE harnesses power of innovation to remain relevant

MANILA, Philippines — Smart infrastructures that are innovative and environment-friendly are increasingly gaining significance with the global mandate from governments and developers to build based on principles of sustainability.

International Elevator & Equipment Inc. (IEE), a unit of Mitsubishi Electric, heeds the call to add value to infrastructure development by harnessing world-class technology to create innovative engineering solutions, and provide high-quality installation and after-sales service.

“We make it a priority to always differentiate and work for the better, according to the changing needs of clients, to improve lives and working conditions,” said Itsuo Arakawa, executive vice president of IEE, in charge of the company’s elevator and escalator business and factory automation business.

“Relevant building equipment, installation, and maintenance are the three components that reflect our mantra, ‘changes for the better’,” Arakawa said.

IEE has been introducing elevator, escalator and airconditioning innovations to the Philippines since it was born out of a joint venture with Mitsubishi Electric of Japan in 1969. Among them were the high speed elevators running at 210 meters per minute (mpm) in 1970, airconditioning and refrigeration products in 1978, talking elevators in 1982, 240 mpm elevators in 1984, computerized elevators in 1985, diesel generators in 1993, variable refrigerant flow airconditioners as well as double-deck and inclined elevators in 1996, elevator modernization and jet towels in 2005, ventilators in 2012, factory automation in 2015, and chillers in 2017.

“Our objective is to add value by giving comfort and enhancing the productivity of people through safe and dependable technology,” explained Melecio B. Vicencio, vice president of IEE who handles the airconditioning business, generator business, and other company departments.

Product innovation

Safety and energy-efficiency guides Mitsubishi Electric’s focus on innovation which is at the core of the company’s philosophy to provide better products.

The sensors in its automated elevators, for example, can stop on the nearest floor and open the door when an earthquake occurs, according to Arakawa.

For its airconditioners, the company offers different models of split-type packaged airconditioners applicable to residential houses and commercial establishments, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system for BPO buildings, water chillers for malls, hotels and other large space airconditioning requirements.

Mitsubishi Electric has innovated its split type airconditioners by making the big and bulky models of past years to small, compact, slim and lightweight. It also improved its features allowing ease of installation and for less maintenance of the equipment.

Designed and manufactured to the highest standards, Mitsubishi Electric airconditioners cater to the market’s demand for energy efficiency, adaptability and reliability. With the release of Super High COP range of airconditioners, Mitsubishi Electric took a step forward to comply with today’s energy and environmental designs needs.

Other building equipment of IEE are high and medium- capacity heavy duty generators that provide back-up power which are reliable as they are made with engines that also power marine vessels; factory automation products such as controllers and industrial robots; car and door access control system for security; ventilators to complement airconditioners and jet towel hand dryers.

One-stop service

Meticulous attention to details is what defines IEE’s brand of service and this was formed out of 49 years of passing technical know-how from Japanese experts to Filipino engineering, maintenance and installation staff.

“If we don’t maintain the machine, after five or 10 years, it will not function well. So we take a proactive approach. We render preventive maintenance service every month to anticipate breakdown,” Arakawa said.

As a one-stop service provider, the company handles the installation and maintenance of machines. There are more than 100 Mitsubishi Electric elevators worldwide that are almost 50 years old but are still running. In the Philippines, IEE maintains more than 6,000 units of elevators and escalators. Its engineers and technicians are also sought-after abroad for installation works. The same standard for quality applies to airconditioner installation and maintenance.

Expanding market share

The company is poised to expand its market share in the coming years. At present, a big part of the company’s revenue come from elevator, escalator, airconditioners and genset sales.

With the rosy prospects for economic progress in the country for the next five to 10 years, Arakawa sees a steady growth in the construction and engineering business.

The construction of the Manila-Clark railway will also open up business opportunities in the towns along the route as the commuter and freight train service will spur development in these areas.

The expansion of Clark City itself in Pampanga may replicate the success of IEE-Mitsubishi Electric in BGC, where the company is already maintaining more than 700 elevators. The growth of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) continues 20 years after the business district was established and Arakawa expressed optimism that Clark City will similarly develop and spur long-term growth in the construction and engineering sectors which could be more than five times to BGC.

On the other hand, Vicencio sees a sustained demand for airconditioners and gensets with the onset of projects like residential buildings, resto/malls, office and BPO buildings, and malls along with the other opportunities presented by economic progress.

The challenge of providing relevant, high quality, and safe products and services remains. But IEE-Mitsubishi Electric is continuously committed to supply the requirements of higher industry demands and adapt to changing market needs for sustainable development.