Filinvest, Hitachi unit ink deal

Gotianun-led conglomerate Filinvest Development Corp. has teamed up with a unit of Japanese multinational group Hitachi Ltd. to venture into the water solutions business, debuting into a sector that has drawn much attention due to recent supply constraints in the metropolis.

Expanding its stake in the utilities sector, FDC signed a joint venture agreement with Hitachi Aqua-Tech Engineering Pte. Ltd. to provide overall water solutions such as water treatment facilities, including desalination, recycled water and sewage treatment.

The venture will target both internal FDC projects and external customers in the public and private sectors across the Philippines.

“With the innovative technical expertise of the Hitachi group and the nationwide reach of Filinvest, we look forward to solidifying our participation in the Philippine water industry,” said FDC president and chief executive Josephine Gotianun-Yap. “This partnership further establishes our presence in the eco-sustainable solutions field and complements our other investments in renewable energy and district cooling.”

Hitachi Aqua-Tech has 40 years of experience in the water industry, operating across the Asia-Pacific, Indian Ocean, Pacific Islands, South America, Africa and the Middle East for the desalination, sewage treatment, water recycling and water feature developments.

“We are excited to join forces with the Filinvest group, share our expertise and provide much-needed water treatment solutions across the Philippine archipelago,” said Hideshi Nakatsu, CEO at Hitachi’s Water and Environment Business Unit of Hitachi.

“We will continue to provide our water and sewerage solutions that contribute to solving issues faced by clients and society mainly for the Philippines and other Asian countries,” Nakatsu said.

Hitachi and Hitachi Aqua-Tech are seen to contribute to solving issues faced by prospective clients and society by developing water infrastructure.

Other than providing water solution, Hitachi Aqua-Tech is reputable in design innovation and creative engineering in the areas of pools, fountains, water theme parks, irrigation systems and water features.