Subic shoe factory to hire 1,500 more workers

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., the manufacturer of popular shoe brands like Vans and Keds, has committed some USD6 million to expand its operations in this Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma welcomed the development, noting that the company plans to hire an additional 1,500 employees.

“Although we have experienced a downturn in employment last year because of the layoffs at Hanjin shipyard, we believe that Subic can easily make a rebound because a lot of companies like Datian Subic have been expanding and hiring more skilled workers,” she said.

Eisma said that the company has leased a 29,400-square meter property to extend its existing 42,749-square meter facility at the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP) Phase II.

“The company plans to use half of the USD6-milllion expansion investment to build another factory building in two years,” she said.

Datian Subic initially invested USD10 million in 2017 for its first manufacturing facility at the Gateway Park.

As of February, this year, the company already employs 3,698 workers.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. produces shoes under global brands like Keds, Converse, Sperry, and Vans for the American market, as well as Hugo Boss and Dr. Martens for the European market.

Its Subic factory integrates assembly lines for stitching, rubber compounding, outsoles molding, insoles and arches sponging, rubber gluing, as well as foxing operations.

Company officials said the existing factory produces an average of 350,000 pairs of shoes per month.

Eisma also said the SBMA expects more expansion projects among Subic business locators, following the current shift in production from China to other countries in Southeast Asia because of the ongoing trade war between China and the United States.

“The current tax incentives being offered by the SBMA to foreign manufacturing companies is another factor for this expansion surge,” she said.

Eisma pointed out that the expansion projects last year amounted to a whopping PHP25 billion in committed investments from existing business locators. (Malou Dungog, PNA)

PHOTO:

The manufacturing facility of Datian Subic Shoes, Inc., located at the Subic Gateway Park.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065111

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Shoe manufacturer now in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (updated)

Construction of a manufacturing facility that will produce branded shoes for export is now in progress in this freeport.

Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. will have its 42,800-square meter area shoe facility located at Phase II of the Subic Bay Gateway Park.

A statement from Datian Subic said the company was established in Taiwan in 1972 and in China in 1992 and is now expanding its scale of business to suffice the capacity of production and comply with international trends.

The statement said the company has chosen the Philippines "thru Subic Bay Freeport Zone, being a strategic location as it is near the (sea) port and airport."

"Its secured environment, accommodating, friendly and well-educated workforce are the key factors why Subic was the choice among the rest of location that was studied for," it added.

Datian Subic will produce branded vulcanized shoes for export and is expected to generate additional jobs for communities around the freeport zone.

Datian Subic President Vincent Chen said the company is looking forward for a strong and harmonious relationship with the Freeport and its community.

"The company’s philosophy is to meet customers need, seek excellent quality service and primary welfare to all employees," Chen said.

"This will be a good start for the year 2017 with the new Freeport Leaders and will be the year for Datian Subic Shoes full operation," Chen added.


PHOTO:

A construction worker pushes his wheelbarrow in front of the building that will house the assembly line for Datian Subic Shoes, Inc. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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