Local firms prepare for rebound this year

CEBU, Philippines - Some homegrown companies are bracing for better days after expressing optimism that the country will experience an economic rebound this year.

On the sidelines of yesterday’s Coffee Break with CCCI (Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry), GT (God’s Talent) Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc. chief operating officer Leonora Salvane told The Freeman that the company is expanding its manufacturing plant in Yati, Liloan, Cebu to meet the growing demand of the market.

“Our (current) production is just enough for the market. We are experiencing a growing demand for our products that is why we need to increase our manufacturing capacity,” she said.

Salvane said GT’s sales increased by 100 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

GT’s 2,000-square meter manufacturing plant has a capacity of producing 2,000 pieces of whitening soap everyday. The company aims to double production after the completion of its additional 2,000-square meter space.

Meanwhile, Airland Cargo Movers Inc. president Haidee Cañete said her freight forwarding business is experiencing a 10 percent to12 percent increase in cargo volume in the first three months of the year.

“Business was worst last year. But we are moving a little better this year. (This means) that exports (in Cebu) is also doing better,” she said in a separate interview.

Cañete said her company experienced a 65 percent drop in business transactions in 2009 from 2008. The decline, however, started in 2007. The wholly Filipino-owned company was able to sustain operations from its income on imported cargoes.

Airland operates worldwide and moves export and imports to all seaports and airports worldwide through its established agents.

Cañete said one of the challenges of the forwarding industry in Cebu is the growing number of players albeit the declining number of exporters in the province.

“But we, especially the legitimate ones, respect each other with regard to the clients,” she said.

There are 146 freight forwarders in Cebu, of which 20 percent are foreign-owned. Only 74 companies have affiliated themselves with the Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association Inc.

Salvane and Cañete were guests of the second episode of CCCI’s bi-monthly program, which aims to help market its members and stimulate their interest in the chamber’s activities and programs.

The bi-monthly activity, which kicked off yesterday, will air daily on Channel 28, the Wealth Channel.