Gokongwei-led Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has expanded its flour milling capacity with the inauguration of a new mill in Davao that can produce 600 metric tons of high-grade flour per day.
“We are bullish because we are buoyed by the prospects of the continued forecast of growth for wheat demand in the Philippines in the coming years,” Ellison Lee, URC flour and pasta division business unit general manager, said in a press statement.
The new plant raises production in Davao to 900 metric tons per day, widening its coverage and support volume growth in the area. On the other hand, this boosts URC’s total milling capacity to 2,150 metric tons nationwide.
This expansion seeks to meet the country’s growing demand for high-grade flour. The higher flour output is also seen to allow URC to tap markets abroad.
The Philippines expects wheat imports to grow to 6.3 million metric tons this year from 5.98 million metric tons last year.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment of using only imported high-quality wheat to mill in our plants, following stringent standards and control, to ensure the achievement of desired quality and consistency for our customers’ needs,” Lee said.
“This plant expansion is also part of our ambition to become globally competitive and cater to the needs of a growing sophisticated market.”
Designed and supplied by Swiss tech firm Buhler, the new plant is among the most modern to come online. It is fully automated, from wheat intake to bagged flour palletizing. It uses state-of-the-art equipment and machines, including longer roller mills, plant sifter and purifier that further enhance the quality of the wheat and flour processed at the facility.
The plant features milling and blending facilities and an advanced, quality-control laboratory that works on improving flour for a better yield, as well as customizing products to meet the customers’ specific needs.