New Lemon Square factory up and running in Batangas next year

MANILA, Philippines — The construction arm of the Aboitiz group is targeting the completion of a new factory of popular Lemon Square pastry at its Batangas economic zone in about a year’s time, with the facility expected to employ around 200 once operational.

Aboitiz Construction said on Wednesday that a groundbreaking ceremony for the latest project of Big E Food Corporation (BEFC), the company behind the popular pastry brand, was held on May 10 at the 826-hectare (ha) LIMA (Lipa-Malvar) Estate.

“At Aboitiz Construction, we view this collaboration not just as a project, but as a testament to the shared vision and commitment to excellence that both our organizations uphold,” Aboitiz Construction executive director Antonio Peñalver said in a statement.

“It is a privilege to be entrusted with this project, knowing that it represents more than just a facility. It signifies dedication to quality, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence,” he added.

Aboitiz Construction said further that it would construct the three key buildings integral to the food manufacturing process at the 7-ha facility.

High demand expected

These buildings include a production plant, an operations and maintenance building and a production ancillary building.

It added that it would integrate innovative practices to minimize environmental impact in line with its commitment to sustainability.

READ: Aboitiz keeps ‘economic engines’ running toward recovery

Advanced plumbing systems that use water-saving fixtures and smart water management technologies will also be used in the construction, the company said.

A company representative told the Inquirer that the target date of completion was July 2025, taking into account the two-month design and permitting phase after the groundbreaking.

The same company representative said that the intent of BEFC was to augment its output to keep up with the high demand expected from the start of school year 2025 to 2026.

Aside from the planned Batangas production plant project, BEFC also has an existing similar facility in Meycauayan, Bulacan.