The much-awaited inauguration of the new fabrication and outloading facility of Metaphil International, Inc., finally came true on October 18, 2008.  The 540-million peso facility stands proud in Arpili in Balamban Special Economic Zone, Cebu.

Key officers of the Aboitiz Group, international and local clients, local suppliers and subcontractors, banking partners, local government officials and media friends graced the event.

The Aboitiz Group was led by the president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Power Corporation Erramon Aboitiz.  International and local clients include Kobe Steel (Japan), Taim, Metals and Components, Outotec Pty. Ltd. (Australia), Dow Group, Howden U.K., Howden Global, and Leighton. Local clients include Dole Phils, San Julio Realty and Metaphil’s neighbors THICI, FBMA and TTSP.  Top supplier Regan Industries led the suppliers and subcontractors. Banker friends from Security Bank and City Savings Bank were present. Local government officials led by Congressman Pablo John Garcia, Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay, Asturias Mayor Alan Adlawan and Arpili barangay captain Primo Paulin.  Metaphil had full support from team leaders and members led by the chair and chief executive officer Roberto E. Aboitiz and president and chief operating officer Nap R. Pe, Jr.

Arpili barangay captain Primo Paulin repeatedly thanked Aboitiz for the investments have “benefited micro-entreprenuers, such as tricycle drivers, sari-sari stores, restaurants and others.”
“Balamban, a sleepy town 15 years ago, now has a vibrant economy and has provided families with economic security,” reinforced Balamban mayor Alex Binghay.

“We will continue to manage cost, quality and delivery of our clients as we place Cebu and the Philippines in the centerstage of construction, fabrication and engineering”, assures Roberto Aboitiz.

“The facility will make any Filipino proud,” says honored guest Congressman Pablo John Garcia of the 3rd District, Cebu Province.  “Aboitiz has once again honored its commitment to Balamban’s future.  Aboitiz’s confidence in the place and its people, which builds the confidence of the place and its people, on and on in a widening circle can only make both stronger.  The synergy between Aboitiz and Balamban has transformed the sleepy town of Balamban into the economic dynamo that it is today.” 

The yard, spanning 10.5 hectares and built starting in July last year, will be operational in November.  Referred to as a modular yard, it is primarily intended to build fabrication modules weighing 600 tons per module.  Fabrication capacity is 18,000 tons per year.

“The new yard is Metaphil’s growth platform”, says Metaphil’s Roberto E. Aboitiz.  “The old shop [in Mandaue, Cebu] has become too small as the industry requires larger pre-fabrication assemblies and equipment.”

The new world-class facility will grow the construction business of the Aboitiz Group as fabrication capacity is expected to double; thereby, generating a potential revenue of two billion pesos.  Even when construction of the facility was on-going, many prospects from different parts of the world have shown interest in the facility.  This facility is the second of its kind in the Philippines.

Apart from fabrication works, Metaphil International, Inc. can provide engineering design and detailing services to international and Philippine clients.

It is expected to generate jobs for about a thousand Filipinos.

The yard includes an outloading facility which is important in transporting the modules from the fabrication and assembly area to the shipping vessel.  The facility, along with the equipment, is definitely in accordance to international standards.

Metaphil is eyeing millions of dollars in exports to Australia, New Caledonia, USA, etc. through the world-class mining companies, such as Outotec Pty. Ltd., Metso Minerals (Australia) Ltd., Delkor Pty. Ltd. , Clyde Bergemann Materials Handling.  Large international clients include Technip, Inc., Dow Chemicals, Inc. and Fluor Daniel.

Metaphil International, Inc. is a PEZA-registered company managed by Aboitiz Construction Group, Inc., an ISO 9001:2000 company trusted for 30 years for its quality and reliable construction performance.