New Kinpo Group CEO Simon Shen informed the Department of Trade and Industry of its immediate plans for its Philippine subsidiary, Cal-Comp Philippines to produce medical-grade face masks and ventilators solely for the Philippine market in light of the current COVID-19 crisis the country is facing.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and Board of Investments Managing Head Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo were briefed by NKG CEO Simon Shen in a recent video conferencing call arranged by MECO Director of Commercial Affairs and DTI's Trade Representative in Taipei, Michael Alfred Ignacio.
Shen informed the trade officials of his conglomerate’s decision to repurpose some of their facilities in Batangas and Laguna to produce 1,000 ventilators and 2.5 million medical-grade face masks every month to provide much-needed support for the government’s fight against the pandemic.
Lopez said, “the DTI has been at the forefront of the government's efforts to convince manufacturers and exporters to repurpose their capacities to produce critical and essential products, which are badly needed to help address the COVID-19 pandemic. This is necessary because the supply of raw materials from the usual suppliers from abroad have become very tight as a result of the same issues brought about by COVID-19."
"I am very pleased to learn of New Kinpo’s very timely decision to shift their high-tech manufacturing capabilities in helping the Philippine health sector effectively address the challenges in combatting the COVID-19 threat. On behalf of the Philippine government and the entire country, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Simon and the New Kinpo Group for this much needed support and lifeline for our medical front-liners. Thank you for being a shining example among our corporate citizens who have decided to make the Philippines their second home,” Lopez said.
Lopez also expressed deep appreciation upon learning from Shen that the monthly production of 2.5 million face masks and 1,000 ventilators in New Kinpo’s Philippine-based facilities are solely intended for the Philippine market, a big portion of which will be donated by the Taiwanese conglomerate to Philippine hospitals and agencies in the frontlines serving in the medical and civic fronts.
He assured New Kinpo Group of the DTI and BOI’s full support and dedicated officials to immediately facilitate New Kinpo’s regulatory compliance with all concerned government agencies to enable the quick transition of operations from their traditional businesses to the manufacture of PPEs and medical equipment. DTI and BOI will also ensure the smooth delivery of raw materials and supplies necessary for the production of these essentials.
Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chairman and Resident Representative Angelito T. Banayo also lauded New Kinpo Group, “Once again, Taiwan’s New Kinpo Group is leading the way for other corporate locators in the Philippines.
Last year, the conglomerate announced the group’s decision to make the Philippines its Southeast Asian manufacturing hub. The group currently employs up to 18,000 full-time employees manufacturing high-end electronics and smart appliances in the country.
This strategic and compassionate move will ensure that New Kinpo’s modified operations will continue to provide for the livelihood of its employees albeit on a necessarily reduced capacity due to the limitations of the enhanced community quarantine.
"At the same time, the 2.5 million masks and 1,000 ventilators the group intends to produce every month will substantially help save and protect countless lives in the Philippines, including that of our precious front- liners. I wish to sincerely commend and thank the New Kinpo Group, its Chairman Mr. Rock Hsu and CEO Mr. Simon Shen. The Manila Economic and Cultural Office and its commercial affairs section, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Taipei, will continue to be at NKG’s ready disposal for any assistance and facilitation we can extend," Lopez said.
New Kinpo’s Cal-Comp Philippines intends to produce the 2.5 million pieces of medical face masks and to roll-out the first batch of 1,000 ventilators by the end of May.
The group informed DTI that they will be setting aside a substantial number of these essential medical supplies and equipment for the group’s donation to various hospitals that are in urgent need, particularly those treating a higher number of COVID-19 patients.
The rest of the masks and ventilators will be available to the Philippine market at very reasonable price points, considering that they will be produced locally. In addition to the ventilators and face masks, the group also intends to produce a substantial number of face shields to be used by medical personnel in order to adequately protect them from the virus.
New Kinpo Group subsidiary XYZ Printing manufactures an entire range of 3D printers that can easily produce the frames used for these face shields.
