PMPMI starts export of RP-made cigarettes

TANAUAN CITY, Batangas – Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) formally announced yesterday the start of its multi-billion export of Philippine produced cigarettes to Thailand.

Chris Nelson, PMPMI managing director, presented to media the most modern facilities that would manufacture an initial 2.8 billion cigarette sticks or an estimated $20-billion worth of export brand of Philip Morris and Marlboro for this year alone.

"This is another milestone for Philip Morris Philippines," Nelson said. "Just two months since we formally opened our manufacturing plant and we’re now producing cigarettes for export in Southeast Asia."

PMPMI formally opened its new $300-million manufacturing plant last May 8, manned by more than 600 employees with state-of-the art facilities capable of producing 40 billion sticks a year.

"Exporting our cigarettes produced is a part of our commitment to the Philippines in helping the economy," Nelson said. "And for the year 2004, we are expecting a growth in exports to six billion sticks valued at more than $48 million."

Nelson said PMPMI holds just about 20 percent of the market but expecting to increase its cut of the pie considering the high grade facilities, efficient workforce and plans on introducing new brands.

"We came here to build the most modern facilities, combined with the Filipino quality workforce, we’re confident about the future and we know we can grow our business here in the Philippines," Nelson told The STAR.

The Tanauan facility forms part of a chain of manufacturing facilities of Philip Morris International Inc. in the Asia-Pacific region.

The other factories are located in Moorabin, Australia, Malang, Indonesia, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia and Yangsan, South Korea.

Nelson said he is unfazed by and instead strongly support the passing of the Tobacco Regulatory Bill which bans smoking in specific locations especially those most frequented by people under 18 years of age such as schools, playground, hospitals and others.

"Our position is very clear, children should not smoke and if possible shouldn’t have any access to tobacco products. However, we believe that those adult who decided to smoke should have their own opportunity of either to buy, be informed or have a choice of place to smoke," Nelson told The STAR in an inclusive interview.

"We welcome the bill and we commend the Senate and Congress for passing it," Nelson added "We want to gain market share among the adult smokers. We’re not and never have been encouraging children to smoke." – Arnel Ozaeta