France-based helmet maker eyes hub in PH amid infra boom

A FRENCH manufacturer of personal protective equipment is considering to set up a production facility in the Philippines amid the country’s plan to increase spending in the critical infrastructure industry.

Delta Plus saw the advantage of building a manufacturing plant in the Philippines, which it said would also generate jobs for capable Filipino workers.

“The Philippines is becoming an emerging tiger in Southeast Asia and as one of the fastest growing economies worldwide. There are a lot of opportunities here, especially in relation to the [Association of Southeast Asian Nation] economic integration,” said Thibauld de Chantemele, chair of Delta Plus Philippines and concurrent export director for the parent firm. He said the planned hub would also be used as a starting point for an expansion across the region.

Delta Plus has already set up a subsidiary in the Philippines in order to tap the country’s booming construction, manufacturing and shipping industries, among other sectors that require protective gear. The company will make available here its lineup of head-to-toe protective gear, ranging from eyewear, safety helmets, hearing protection, shoes to gloves.

“Philippine industries such as shipping, construction, manufacturing and others are growing at a fast pace, which makes it a must for Delta Plus to be part of this growth and be able to serve them with their safety need,” de Chantemele said.

The construction industry here is forecast to grow $47 billion by 2020, up by almost 10 percent from 2015, according to London-based Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center (CIC).

The global supply chain of Delta Plus includes Wujiang in China, Calcutta in India, Apt in France, Sosnowiec in Poland, and Manchester in the United Kingdom.