MAKATI – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Board of Investments (BOI) will back up the expansion plan of the New Kinpo Group (NKG), the world’s leading consumer electronics manufacturing group.
In a meeting with DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo last 2 May 2019, NKG’s CEO Simon Shen shared plans to establish a new 24,000-square meter facility in Lipa, Batangas. NKG also plans to develop their manufacturing complex in the First Philippine Industrial Park, Inc. in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. These expansions will increase NKG’s employment from 11,000 to 18,000 in two to three years. NKG said these are all part of its plans to position the Philippines as the group hub in Southeast Asia. To fund their expansion, NKG’s subsidiary, Cal-Comp Technology (Philippines), Inc., will conduct an initial public offering (IPO) in 2019.
The DTI, through the Board of Investments, offered to help NKG find the additional land for its expansion as well as introduce robot assistants in airports. Known for its robotics development, NKG plans to introduce robot assistants in domestic airports in the country. Last year, it has also started discussions with SM Supermalls on manufacturing customer service robot assistants for them.
Sec. Lopez committed to connect NKG with the Departments of Transportation (DOTr) and Tourism (DOT) to facilitate its planned installation of airport robot assistants. Once in place, the robot concierge will guide passengers to their respective terminals by scanning their boarding passes.
“These robots can be a great feature in some of our newer airports. These technologies also help bring public awareness to the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). As the Philippines has its eyes on being an AI Center of Excellence by 2025, we look forward to seeing more of these and manufacturing them here in the country,” Secretary Lopez said.
“The DTI is grateful to NKG for investing in the Philippines and providing decent jobs to thousands of Filipinos. President Rodrigo Duterte has assured that all investments will be protected in the country and we are doing our part in keeping that promise,” said Secretary Lopez.
Founded in 1973, NKG is considered one of the global leaders in manufacturing solutions such as electronic manufacturing services (EMS), original design manufacturing (ODM), and through its own brand products. The group manufactures a diverse range of products for industry leaders and leading brands such as storage products, printers, consumer electronics, smart home appliances, set-top boxes, and power supplies. NKG also has its own brand products like 3D printers, smart beauty products, AI-powered robotics and smart speaker.
Among the group’s firms include Kinpo Electronics, Cal-Comp Electronics (Thailand), Castlenet Technology, and AcBel Polytech. NKG has global operations spanning Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, China, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines. ♦
Date of Release: 10 May 2019