US-based printer maker sets P1-B expansion in RP

Lexmark International (Phils.) Inc. will spend an additional P1 billion to expand manufacturing operations at its plant at the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ).

Glenn Westerman, president and chief executive officer of Lexmark, said that since 1999, Lexmark has spent about P9 billion for its manufacturing operations in the country.

The Lexmark plant in MEZ manufactures printer cartridges for distribution worldwide.

At the same time, Westerman said that Lexmark has also been making additional investments on its software and hardware development for printers.

Lexmark has chosen to expand its software and hardware development operations here in the Philippines to complement its operations in Lexington, Kentucky, Westerman said.

Since the Philippines has a 12-hour time difference from Lexington, the Cebu plant takes over and continues the work as soon as the US plant closes.

The operation of the two complementary plants virtually provides Lexmark a 24-hour operation, giving it an edge in terms of software and hardware development.

Because of the fast growth and change in technology, companies which have such an edge, Westerman said, would be able to stay on top of its competitors.

Westerman said Lexmark has spent millions of pesos on its software and hardware development project.

Lexmark chose to expand in the Philippines because of the country’s English-proficient and creative workforce which complements its disciplined staff in the US.

Setting up operations in China, Westerman said, has been ruled out because transation is necessary.

Unfortunately, because Lexmark’s business is technology driven, any error in translation could lead to major errors in production, he explained.