HK-based logistics firm remains bullish on RP

Hong Kong-based Integrated Distribution Services Group Ltd., a subsidiary of Li & Fung (Distribution) Ltd., remains bullish on its logistics business in the Philippines despite the problems now hounding the Arroyo Administration.

Ben Chang, group managing director of the IDS Group, said:

"The Philippines has a very large domestic market.

We’re focused on building our focus on Asia. The Philippines is clearly an important market due to its large consumer base and the rise of consumerism."

Since its inception in 2002, local unit IDS Logistics Philippines Inc. has grown phenomenally and established itself as one of the leading logistics management companies in the Philippines with 21 clients that count among the country’s leading consumer brands.

"We are extremely glad to see the strong growth of IDS Logistics in the Philippines and the successful commencement of IDS Marketing, our sales and marketing services business.

This is made possible with the continuing support of our business partners, many of which are also collaborating with us regionally in other markets," Chang said.

Amid the political uncertainties IDS Philippines managing director Emmanuel Bautista said the group is confident that its operations will not be affected. "The service we provide is very basic.

Despite the problems our country is facing now, people will have basic needs.

So our services will always be needed," he said.

"The environment is changing. We can’t control it.

But we feel that now is the better time to do business in the Philippines," Chang added.

He said more and more companies, especially global multinationals, continue to outsource their marketing, logistics and contract manufacturing functions in order to reduce their production and distribution costs and capture the growing consumer demand in the region.

IDS has three major distribution centers located in Manila, Cebu and Davao, as well as customer service centers in five key locations (Dagupan, San Fernando [Pampanga], Bacolod, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro).

It offers over 90,000 square meters of space, including room facilities, an advanced IT network and a warehouse management system that provides customers with full real-time visibility of their product inventory and consignment status.

Among IDS Philippines’ clients are Allied Domecq, Associated British Foods & Beverages Coty, Gillette Philippines, JS Unitrade Merchandise, Kimberly-Clark, Kraft Foods, L’Oreal, Mandom, Monde Nissin PT Pindo, Philip Morris, Robert Bosch, SC Johnson , Dental B, Unilever Philippines, Unilever Foods Philippines Universal Robina Corp., Watsons Personal Care Stores, Wrigley Philippines and Yokohama Tires.