CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Cargill, the world’s biggest feedmill corporation, has opened its first plant in the Philippines at the First Bulacan Industrial Park in Barangay Tikay here.
Chuck Warta, president of Cargill Premix and Nutrition, on Monday said the move is to meet the increasing demand from medium and large livestock farms and feed millers in the Philippines and Southeast Asian countries.
“Cargill is committed to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. With the population and income growth driving demand for animal protein in the region, Cargill knows how important it is to invest here, supporting local farmers and creating additional job opportunities as a result of our growth.”
Marta said that Cargill invested USD12 million to open the plant, where 50 local employees will produce animal nutrition premix solutions, made available to customers under the Provimi brand.
The plant is located in the province’s sprawling First Bulacan Industrial City which is near the Macarthur highway and the Tabang exit of the North Luzon Expressway.
Noel Kim, general manager of Cargill Provimi, Philippines said that the country as well as Southeast Asian countries are seeing increased consumer demand for meat products, especially pork and chicken.
“This is great news for the growth potential of local livestock farms and feed millers, At our premix plant, Cargill can now manufacture the animal nutrition products these producers need to sustainably deliver high quality, safe, affordable meat to consumers.” Kim added.
For his part, Ralph Bean, agricultural counselor at USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, commended the investment.
“This plant is one of Cargill’s, and one of US many investments in Philippine agriculture, and it heralds a strong partnership and a bright future for all going forward. The plant will provide products that will enable Philippine farmers to ensure greater productivity, reliability, and quality in the end products that go onto Philippine dinner tables,” Bean said.
Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad welcomed Cargill’s investment in the area, saying it is a boon for the local community.
“The City of Malolos is appreciative of Cargill’s presence, it’s a big boost not only to our city but to the province’s economic and employment opportunities. We hope to reciprocate by providing all the needed assistance and better business ambience to make Cargill’s project a success,” Natividad said.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said Cargill’s presence in Bulacan is an indication that the many parts of the province are now gearing up to become special economic zones that could give strong and stable economic opportunities. (PNA)
