Tolman builds P300-M processing plant

Local firm Tolman Manufacturing Inc. has started construction of a P300-million food flavor and ingredient processing plant at the Carmelray Industrial Park in Laguna in a move to service an anticipated growth in demand from hotels, restaurants and other specialty establishments locally and in Asia.

"We will be the first fully integrated food ingredient service company in the country," said Tolman chairman Fred Dael, adding that the first stage of contract manufacturing operations will be ready for start-up by August this year.

Tolman is an affiliate of Actron Industries Inc., a 100-percent Filipino company which had established partnerships with world leaders in the field of fractionated butter, industrial chocolates, and caramel colors since 1981.

Aside from being the exclusive Philippine agent of Corman of Belgium, the world leader in fractionated milkfat technology, Actron is also the exclusive Philippine agent of Barry Callebaut, the leading global supplier of quality industrial gourmet chocolate products, and D.D. Williamson, the world leader in liquid and powder caramel colors for the food industry.

Actron also distributes and produces A/S Nielsen flavors and food ingredients. It manufactures baking ingredients under the Bakersfield brand and distributes Strawberry Instant Yeast.

The Tolman facility will be built on a 10,000-sqm lot using the latest and most advanced technologies for contract manufacturing and food ingredient processing. "And with this capability, we are geared to be a value-added and reliable partner of the food industry," said Ramon Diaz, Tolman chief operating officer.

Diaz added that Tolman’s manufacturing processes will follow ISO 9002 standards and be in strict compliance with HACCP, a global food safety program focused on applying science-based controls on the handling of raw materials up to the finished products.

"It’s all a matter of good fit," said Oscar Reyes, chairman of Actron Industries. "And viewed from the perspective of our people’s long track record in this business, our clients saw that we could also create, develop, and manufacture products aside from servicing their technical and supply needs."