Uratex taps peddlers to reach remote areas

CEBU, Philippines — Foam and mattress maker Uratex of the RGC Group is expanding its reach across the Philippines, not only by opening stores and growing its partner dealers, but also by involving the peddlers in order to give access to customers in the remote areas.

This approach, which goes beyond traditional expansion methods, reflects the company’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that even customers in remote areas can benefit from its high-quality products, said Peachy C. Medina, Uratex managing director.

In an interview during the opening of its 19th Uratex showroom in Minglanilla, Cebu, Medina said by involving the peddlers, Uratex is bridging the gap and making its mattresses accessible to a broader audience.

Medina also announced that Uratex will open another sizeable showroom in barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City in the next few months.

At present, Uratex products are available in 4,000 outlets. Medina said the fast-growing population in the Philippines and robust real estate sector have spurred the company to expand its presence.

Despite its presence in partner dealer stores, such as department stores, supermarkets, and even hardware outlets, Medina said the company has recognized the need to tap the peddlers, or mobile distributors to reach the untapped communities saying “Our products are bulky.”

By tapping into the network of peddlers, Uratex aims to overcome logistical challenges and ensure that its products seamlessly reach even to the most remote and underserved areas.

According to Uratex William C. Lee, Uratex Executive vice president the company is also building a new foam manufacturing plant in Iloilo, in order to serve the growing western Visayas market.

Today, the Cebu plant distributes for the entire Visayas region. With the establishment of the Iloilo plant, Lee said Cebu production will focus on meeting the demand in Central and Eastern Visayas.

"For 55 years, we have dedicated ourselves to product research and development to deliver our brand promise of comfort, durability, and quality,” said  Natividad Y. Cheng, President and chief executive officer of the Uratex/RGC Group.

The newly opened showroom in Minglanilla introduces one of the group's sustainable products, the Trill Seave Collection.

Also, it is the first showroom that features local products, promoting Cebu artists and craftsmanship. This strategy of integrating local items into its product assortments will be replicated in other showrooms nationwide, added Medina.

Sustainability Thrust

In recent years, the group has been actively mobilizing sustainability efforts such as the adoption of renewable energy and utilization of alternative raw materials.

"We are committed to bringing sustainable products that will benefit the environment, the communities, and the customers", Medina added.

Aside from introducing sustainable products using upcycled plastics and other wastes, Uratex’s operations across 32 factories are now 53 percent using renewable power. It aims at utilizing green energy by 100 percent in 2030.

Uratex/RGC Group of Companies recently celebrated its 55th anniversary to recognize the decades of quality and innovation in providing comfort and creating meaningful memories. It employs a total of 4,700 workers, excluding subcontractors. — (FREEMAN)