MANILA, Philippines: On Friday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the expanded manufacturing facility of JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC), the largest wholly-owned petrochemical investment in the country. Accompanied by JG Summit Holdings, Inc. (JGSHI) Chairman James Go, JGSHI President and CEO Lance Gokongwei, and JGSOC President and CEO Arnel Santos, the President toured the 160-hectare facility in Batangas, which houses the first and only naphtha cracker plant in the country.
The President commended the expansion of the petrochemical facility and highlighted the strategic importance of the industry in the overall revitalization of Philippine manufacturing. The JGSOC complex, which initially started with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) polymers manufacturing in 1998, has consistently expanded its facilities over the years.
At the facility, JGSOC produces the olefin raw materials ethylene and propylene, which are used as feedstock by its downstream PE and PP polymer plants. The cracker’s product range also includes Mixed C4 and pygas, which serve as the raw materials for producing C4 olefins and aromatics products through its butadiene and aromatics extraction plants, respectively.
JGSOC, being a pioneer in the Philippine petrochemical industry, successfully markets its petrochemical products to over 30 countries worldwide. This global reach highlights the company’s commitment to international trade and its contribution to the Philippine economy.
The inauguration of the expanded manufacturing facility signifies a significant milestone for both JGSOC and the Philippine petrochemical industry as a whole. The increased production capacity will not only meet the growing demand for petrochemical products but also contribute to the country’s economic growth.
With the expansion, JGSOC is well-positioned to support various industries, including packaging, automotive, construction, and textiles, among others. These industries heavily rely on the availability of high-quality petrochemical products for their manufacturing processes. JGSOC’s commitment to consistently improving its facilities ensures a reliable supply of these essential materials.
Furthermore, the expansion of JGSOC’s manufacturing facility aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance the domestic manufacturing sector. By investing in petrochemical infrastructure, the Philippines can reduce its reliance on imported petrochemical products and strengthen its self-sufficiency in this critical industry.
The President’s presence at the inauguration reflects the government’s support and recognition of the vital role that JGSOC plays in the country’s industrial development. The collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial in driving economic progress and creating a favorable business environment for both local and international investors.
In conclusion, the inauguration of JG Summit Olefins Corporation’s expanded manufacturing facility in the Philippines marks a significant milestone for the country’s petrochemical industry. With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to international trade, JGSOC is poised to contribute to the growth and revitalization of Philippine manufacturing. The expansion not only meets the increasing demand for petrochemical products but also strengthens the country’s self-sufficiency in this critical sector.
Source: The Manila Times
