Noy keynotes inauguration of Japanese firm

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino is the guest of honor and keynote speaker in today’s inauguration of the office of Japanese electronics firm Brother Industries Philippines, Inc. in Tanauan, Batangas.

According to the website of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, the projected total investment of the Japanese firm in the country amounts to $114 million, one of the biggest investments of the Brother’s Group.

“The Brother Industries Philippines Inc. currently employs 449 individuals. With the first and second factories in full operation, the number of total employees will rise to 3,500 by 2015,” a press statement read.

Through the establishment of Brother Industries Philippines Inc., the Brother’s Group will enhance and optimize production capabilities in order to increase its global market share.

Aquino, along with the officials of Brother Industries Japan and Brother Industries Philippines, will unveil the firm’s marker and logo in a ceremony at the First Philippine Industrial Park in Barangay Ulango, Tanauan City.

 The President will be joined by Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima, Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, Brother Industries Japan president Toshikazu Koike, and Brother Industries Philippines president Toshio Ito.

Founded in 1908, Brother Industries Ltd. is a multinational electronics and electrical equipment company whose main headquarters are in Japan. Its products include printers, sewing machines, machine tools, typewriters, fax machines, and other computer-related electronic equipment.

The Brother’s Group has 17 production sites and 51 sales offices in 44 countries and regions worldwide.

Brother Industries Philippines, Inc. was established in March 2012 to meet the increasing demands in printing industry, which is the firm’s core business.

In April 2013, Factory 1 started manufacturing ink cartridges for Brother’s inkjet printers. Another product to be produced in the Philippines is the tape cassette for label stationery.

The commercial operations of the product are set to start in September, as soon as the construction of the second factory of Brother Industries Philippines in Tanauan is finished.

The factory is expected to start manufacturing the main body of the inkjet printer in February next year.