Topline marks 11th year with new investments

CEBU, Philippines — northern Cebu, next year, along with expansion plans for its subsidiaries in fuel and technology.

During an interview with Eugene Erik L. Lim, the Chairman, President, and CEO of Topline, at the company’s 11th-anniversary celebration, he mentioned that in addition to investing P210 million in its core business of fuel distribution, the company is also allocating funds for its other ventures, including retail and a technology company that offers automation solutions for bus terminals.

Lim said the company’s focus now is to expand its businesses in Cebu, and a bigger chunk of the investments will be spent on its core business, which is fuel service stations around the province.

Topline is spending approximately P210 million to fund the construction of seven additional Light Fuels service stations and two Light Fuels Express service stations within Cebu Province and Metro Cebu.

“We only inaugurated last year our first service station under the Light Fuels brand, but we are continuing to expand our footprint in the retail fuel market as we chart our Company’s growth to meet the growing demand in Central Visayas,” said Lim.

With an 8.94 percent year-on-year increase in the number of registered new and renewed vehicles in Central Visayas based on the latest data from the Land and Transportation Office, Topline aims to seize the growing demand to be top-of-the-line in the retail fuel market with its state-of-the-art fuel stations.

“The retail fuel’s total project annual volume for the 9 service stations is approximately 12 million to 12.5 million liters. With more liquid fuel supply in the market, we aim to contribute to the region’s fuel security, especially amid supply risks,” Lim added.

The fuel service stations are operated by its subsidiary, Light Fuels Corporation, which are expected to be all operational within the year.

The Company inaugurated its first service station in February 2023 in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Part of the plan, Lim added, is the installation of electric Vehicles (eVs) charging stations in its selected areas, recognizing the rise of eV ownership in Cebu.

The Light Fuels service station will incorporate cutting-edge technology, such as RFID payment processing, to ensure customers a quick and efficient fueling experience.

Recognizing that 68 percent of vehicles in Region VII are motorcycles based on LTO-VII’s records, Light Fuels Express stations are designed to cater primarily to motorcycles, scooters, and all two-wheeled and light vehicles.

Topline Logistics and Development Corp., another Topline subsidiary, will supply and distribute liquid fuel to Light Fuels service stations as part of Topline’s synergy strategy through vertical integration to optimize costs and mitigate supply chain risks.

Shopping Mall Expansion

The Lim family opened its first shopping mall in Lapu-Lapu City called Island Central a few years back.

Its Liloan shopping mall called “Bay Mall” is a mixed-use development project with both commercial and office components. It houses the right mix of retailers from coffee shops, specialty kiosks, wellness centers, banks, fashion outlets and a supermarket.

It is the first shopping center in Liloan to feature more open and green spaces. Being a necessary trend, al fresco dining in any of its restaurants will be a pleasant and safer experience for everyone.

With its prime spot located along the highway of Liloan, Bay Mall will have 4 storeys, with a roof deck which will feature the first and only open-air entertainment and food court in Liloan.

Being the anchor tenant, Robinsons Supermarket will be joined by several known retail brands.

Leveraging on its location, strategic collaborations will also be in the works with the local tourism and Pier88, a seaport development also under the umbrella of the Topline Group of Companies.