San Miguel unit taps IBM for IT needs

San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc., the food manufacturing and commodity arm of San Miguel Corp., has signed an agreement with IBM Philippines to boost the IT operations and computing requirements of the food firm.

In a statement, IBM Philippines said the agreement was expected to help SMPFC create smarter operations, and improve its productivity and efficiency.  SMPFC, according to IBM, wanted to “engage a strategic partner to build a robust IT infrastructure and enable its growth trajectory. After a thorough evaluation, SMPFC tapped IBM to help transform its IT organization and become a smarter enterprise.”

Under the agreement, IBM Philippines will provide desktop management services to SMPFC, covering the deployment of hardware, end user support (helpdesk and onsite support), and asset management and tracking. The IT transformation project is seen to relieve the food giant of managing day-to-day IT operations, enabling it to focus on its core business.

“SMPFC is a pioneer in the Philippine food industry, and this engagement with IBM is a testament of our continuing commitment to drive transformation for greater results,” said SMPFC president Francisco S. Alejo III.

“IBM is looking forward to this long-term strategic partnership that will help bolster SMPFC’s leadership position and empower them to become a smarter enterprise. By providing them with a cohesive IT support system, we hope to contribute to the company’s vision of becoming an even stronger food company in the region,” added Mariels Almeda Winhoffer, president and country general manager of IBM Philippines.

For nearly eight decades, SMPFC has been a consistent leader in the local food industry. The group manufactures food, dairy products, and animal feeds bearing the brands Purefoods, Magnolia, Monterey, San Mig Coffee and B-MEG. Amy R. Remo