Japanese shipbuilder will boost Cebu production

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Cebu Incorporated the leading shipbuilder is looking to amplify its production shipyard in Balamban in the next 3 years.

Kono the THI Cebu President said that the firm will increase its production from 25 to 30 ships in the next 3 years specifically by 2017. The shipbuilder has an annual production of 21 ships.

“Productivity-wise, we must increase our capacity by building more ships in the future to 25 to 30 ships per year,” Kono said in a press conference.

However, while the firm plans to increase its productivity, it has no gradual plans to increase its facility in Balamban Cebu.

The Shipyard in Balamban covers about 1.5 million square meters with more than 13,000 working employees. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd Kenji Kawano the overseas operations director, said that and estimated 2,000 additional employees may be hired in the next three to years as it aims to increases production.

 “1994 Tsuneishi started its operation in the Philippines with 18 employees”, he said on a briefing.

According to Kono, the company will continue both its in-house training program and deployment to Japan for technical training.

“To strengthen shipping industry in the Philippines, we must develop additional human resources edification and equip them with tools and skills of shipbuilding,” Kono said.

“Philippines have a great prospective to further develop its shipping industry with its capacity and experience. Tsuneishi want to capitalize on the country’s growth and become the mother shipyard in Southeast Asia,” he said.