DuPont expects double digit growth in RP in ’08

DuPont Far East Inc.-Philippines, the local subsidiary of chemical giant E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc., is expecting to grow by double digits in 2008 after achieving this year’s target of an eight to 10 percent growth.

In an interview, DuPont country business manager Gerry Garcia said they are targeting at least a 10 percent growth next year.

He pointed out that in 11 months this year, their local sales have been growing  a steady eight to 10 percent. 

DuPont, which has been in the Philippines since 1973, said they will continue to invest P200 million per year in research and development.

Meanwhile, Garcia said they have no plans of expanding their presence in the Philippines.

Currently, DuPont has five Philippine facilities: the head office in Makati, Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines in Pasig, DuPont Refinish Training Center also in Pasig, a crop protection plant in Laguna and a corn seed production plant in South Cotabato.

In the same interview, Garcia introduced DuPont’s new eco-friendly insect control product.

Prevathon, which can be used for cabbage, eggplant, string beans and rice, has been proven effective for controlling a broad range of insect pests on a wide variety of crops.

“With Prevathon, Filipino farmers can have peace of mind knowing that they have an effective means of protecting their crops, their investment, their livelihood,” Garcia said.

Garcia said Prevathon will give farmers better and extended protection because of its rain-fastness and long residual activity.