Clark-based Japanese firm starts supplying panels for Boeing

MANILA, Philippines - A Japanese aircraft component manufacturer operating at the Clark Freeport Zone started supplying aviation giant Boeing with its products last week.

Hermie Flores, planning purchasing materials and logistics manager of Jamco Philippines Inc. (JPI), said the firm officially started its production only last month but has started shipping out floor panels for Boeing 777s last week.

“Our first shipment to Boeing marks a major milestone for Jamco. Going forward, we are planning to ship 350 panels every month for the 777 galley. So, if you are going to multiply that for the rate of Boeing, that would be 3,000 panels a month because they are producing 8.3 airplanes every month,” Flores said.

JPI manufactures commercial aircraft interior components and sub-assembly parts for Jamco America and Jamco Corp. of Tokyo, Japan.

The company does panel assembly for Boeing’s 777 and 787 aircraft.

Clark Development Corp., in a statement released yesterday, said JPI and its supplier, Show Aircraft Industry Philippines Inc., have an actual investment of more than $2 million and $227,272 in the Freeport, respectively.

JPI, to date, employs 283 persons inside the Freeport.

CDC president Arthur Tugade, who lauded the prompt delivery of aircraft products to Boeing, said the Japanese investors earlier guaranteed production of high quality products and a commitment to follow international standards with its operations in Clark.

The aircraft manufacturing and airline industry at present accounts for less than a 10th of the total business activities in Clark. - With Richmond Mercurio