Japanese firm to launch P800-million project in Clark

March 11, 2011

CLARK FREEPORT — Officials of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) announced that a Japanese firm is set to open its P800-million expansion project here.
CDC President Benigno Ricafort said SMK Industries’ expansion in Clark Freeport will double the current output of electronic products. It will boost the Freeport’s hold in semi-conductor and touch panel industry.
The construction of the firm’s new building started less than a year ago and was launched on March 8.
Ricafort said the expansion of SMK is a testament to the continuing jobs and investments generation in Clark by local and foreign investors.
SMK first opened operations in Clark in 2001 with 190 employees. With the expansion, the company is expected to employ maximum of 3,500 workers.
SMK is a known supplier of touch panels, universal remote controls, IR receivers/blasters for consumer electronic products like ATM machines, cell phones, copiers, car navigation systems, electronic dictionaries and other applicable products and new generation gadgets.
SMK has been a consistent top exporter in recent years. In 2010, SMK was able to export $67.8 million in its exports volume – a 25 percent increase compared to the 2009 exports volume of P40.5 billion or a more than $27.5 million increase last year.
SMK has also embarked on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, tying up with Mary Help of Christian in Mabalacat and The Tarlac Training Center of the Don Jose and Demetria Cojuangco Foundation, for a student training program.
Some 500 students finished skills training through SMK’s assistance. The company has also started sending top Engineering graduates to a three-year Technical Training in their SMK factory in Toyama, Japan last year in cooperation with Holy Angel University.
It is the only company in Clark Freeport that offers such opportunities to new engineers, said Ricafort. (Reynaldo G. Navales)
Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/03/08/japanese-firm-launch-p800-million-project-clark-143793