Japanese Clutch Manufacturer Ogura Clutch Co. Ltd. Expands in the Philippines with P710M Investment

Ogura Clutch Co. Ltd., a leading Japanese manufacturer of clutch components, has significantly expanded its footprint in the Philippines by investing P710 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility. The company’s local unit, Ogura Clutch Philippines Inc., has made a strategic move from its previous location in a special economic zone in Laguna to a new site within the expansive LIMA (Lipa-Malvar) Estate in Batangas, an initiative by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC).

This relocation to the 826-hectare industrial-anchored estate is poised to bolster Ogura Clutch Philippines’ operations, which are integral to supplying major automobile brands like Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford with high-quality clutch parts. The new facility, sprawling over 16,144 square meters in the industrial expansion zone of LIMA Estate, is expected to generate approximately 1,500 job opportunities for the local populace of Lipa and Malvar, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development.

AIC, the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, has expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Ogura Clutch Philippines, emphasizing a shared vision of fostering an environment conducive to business growth and community prosperity. Clifford Academia, vice president for operations of LIMA Land, highlighted the commitment to creating a legacy of economic progress and social impact through such partnerships.

Toshio Takahashi, the president of Ogura Clutch Philippines, cited the comprehensive infrastructure development solutions offered by LIMA Estate as a key factor in their decision to relocate. The support from AIC, particularly tailored for Japanese manufacturing companies and exemplified by organizations like the Japanese Locator Association, was identified as a unique advantage that LIMA Estate holds over other industrial parks. This supportive ecosystem is expected to enhance Ogura Clutch’s business operations and provide a stable platform for their continued success in the Philippines.

This investment marks a significant development in the Philippines’ manufacturing sector, demonstrating the country’s growing appeal as a destination for international industrial investments. The move by Ogura Clutch Philippines not only signifies confidence in the Philippine economy but also underscores the strategic importance of offering robust infrastructure and tailored support to attract foreign direct investment, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities in the region.