Chowking completes commissary upgrade

Chowking, the Oriental fastfood chain of the Jollibee Group of Companies, has completed a two-year commissary modernization program worth P270 million.

In a statement issued yesterday, Jollibee said the project, which started in 2006, involved the expansion and renovation of Chowking’s noodle building, increased automation and the improved integration of food manufacturing process in its two commissaries in Muntinlupa City.

The modernization program poised the company for continued growth. It will also allow Chowking’s other commissary in Sucat, Parañaque to support the growing demand for its popular line of dimsum products.

“Jollibee is fortunate that inspite of the current economic challenges, we are able to continuously invest and modernize our facilities. It is our aim to ensure that we continuously find innovative ways to deliver high quality and very good tasting products to our customers,” said Tony Tan Caktiong, chairman and chief executive officer of Jollibee.

Chowking president Erwin Elechicon, for his part, said: “By investing in upgrading our production capability we enhance our food preparation, safety and sanitation. This is a key priority for us not only in our commissaries but across our entire system.”

Chowking has been investing in modern automated processes in its commissaries to improve product quality, safety, cut processing time and enhance the flavors of its products.

Highly-automated machines are used to prepare the food items faster and more consistently while ensuring the highest standards of quality and food safety are met before they are brought to the stores for final cooking.

Subdivided into various lines for making noodles, rice toppings, congee, dimsum, chaofan, sauces and other Chowking products, the commissaries function as integrated warehouse, food processing and distribution facilities for the company, allowing it to service its network of over 380 stores nationwide through its six depots and satellite commissaries.

Elechicon also pointed out that the retort machine the company acquired as part of the expansion program not only helps enhance product quality and safety but allows the company to become much more energy efficient in its operations as well. 

“This is the first time in the Philippines that a retort machine is being used in the quick-service restaurant industry,” he said.