French firm putting up P2-B factory in Clark

A French company is putting up a P2-billion food factory in Clark, Pampanga, making it the biggest food-related manufacturer in the freeport zone, a top official said.

La Rose Noire will put up its third factory in Clark in partnership with another French firm, Savencia Fromage & Dairy.

They will produce under the Elle & Vire brand, which is famous for its cream and butter products.

This was disclosed by Noel Maninkil, president and ceo of Clark Development Corp. (CDC). On the sidelines of a briefing last week, he told reporters that the lease agreement would be signed later this month.

According to CDC data, La Rose Noire has so far invested P545.7 million in the country prior to the third factory.

Maninkil said the company has two companies so far–an already operating factory to produce french macarons and another factory that will be put up soon to produce chocolate.

All three factories are export-oriented. When asked if the company had further expansion plans, Maninkil said it would depend on the firm’s client base.

“Ultimately, it depends on their clients. What’s good about La Rose Noire is that they have a very good experience with us. Our labor force is good. It’s trainable. There’s no problem in terms of the supply for manpower,” he said.

He added that the chocolate factory would source 66 percent of its cacao requirements locally.

On top of this, he said there was also an agreement for the chocolate factory to provide scholarships to train Filipinos interested in culinary arts, without obligating them to stay with the company upon graduation. —ROY STEPHEN C. CANIVEL