Japanese firm invests $15-M at Clark

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga – SMK, a Japanese firm involved in the manufacture of touch panels and screens for advanced ATM machines and home appliances, has invested $15 million at Clark Special Economic Zone.

SMK, which stands for Show Musen Kogyo, is a pioneer in the touch panel industry in the country. It was founded 75 years ago in honor of Emperor Tenno Showa Hirohito.

SMK-Philippines also pioneered in the production of pop-up keyboards for laptops and notebooks and lead-free remote control units.

SMK-Philippines president Hiro Usami said SMK Electronics (Phils) Corp. located at Clark zone produces an average of 3,000 touch panels or glass panes being used on advanced ATM machines, home appliances, industrial equipment and machines, home appliances, industrial equipment and machines and personal digital assistance (PDAs) commonly known as Palm Pilots.

President and chief executive officer Dr. Emmanuel Angeles of Clark Development Corp. (CDC) welcomed the decision of SMK-Japan to locate at Clark zone.

Usami earlier said SMK did the right thing when it decided to locate at Clark zone "which is a good place, has good facilities like the airport and the (proposed) road to Subic (Bay Freeport) which are vital infrastructure support for the movements of goods to domestic and global markets."

"If someone is thinking of new investments to the Philippines, I think they will come to Clark because of its strategic location, proximity to business districts like the city of Makati in Metro Manila and the availability of skilled manpower the prevailing pace and order condition," Usami said.

Aside from producing 3,000 touch panels every month, SMK also manufactures 23,000 keyboards and 82,000 remote commanders monthly.

Some of SMK’s clients are big household firms such as Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Acer and Hitachi.

On personal security, Usami grins, "It might be more dangerous in downtown Los Angeles."

On adaptability and skills of Filipino workers, Usami said that "they are helpful, very eager to work and willing to on overtime."