Clark firms expanding in time for Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - Companies operating at the Clark Freeport are on expansion mode in anticipation of higher demand for their products this coming Christmas season.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) said Korean firm Sambon P&E Phl Corp. is investing P132 million for a manufacturing plant in the economic zone to produce sound and keypad devices like earphones, headphone units, and cord wires.

Sambon has committed to employ about 600 workers in the next five years through its operations and expansion in Clark, CDC said.

CDC likewise said French patisserie firm La Rose Noire Inc. is expanding its operations as orders for cakes and pastries from other countries are expected to double in the last four months of the year.

La Rose produces cakes, tarts, macaroons and frozen muffins in its facility in Clark and exports its products worldwide. The company has already invested P90 million in its pastry business in the country.

CDC said high-end performance socks manufacturer UET International Corp. is also investing anew to double its production in the last quarter to meet strong demand in the Christmas season.

UET has already poured in some P276 million investments for its operations in Clark capable of manufacturing 10,000 pairs of custom-made socks per day.

CDC said 97 percent of UET’s output is sold to North American sports shops and major retailers such as Macy’s, Dicks and Nordstrom.