A plushie gold rush is heading to Clark. A manufacturer of Pokémon-themed soft toys is eyeing a USD200-million plant in the zone, promising to generate around 6,000 jobs and inject new life into the local economy.
Agnes Devanadera, president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), said the facility would rank among the largest employment generators in recent years. “This is even bigger than what we lost,” she added, referencing the closure of Charter Link Clark, the Hong Kong-based garment firm tied to Lululemon.
The plant will primarily produce Pokémon plushies for export, though domestic sales will also be permitted, adding a sweet bonus for local fans. The investment coincides with Pokémon’s global boom, highlighted by a new theme park attraction in Japan.
Clark’s momentum isn’t stopping at toys. CDC is set to finalize a P4-billion tourism-led project this month, complementing February’s 200-hectare lease with Korean developer Ozoo. The integrated plan promises golf courses, hotels, and leisure facilities, building Clark’s profile as both an industrial and vacation hub.
Devanadera noted coordination for power and water utilities is underway, signaling that ground-breaking could be closer than anticipated. “Clark continues to grow as a magnet for foreign direct investments, balancing manufacturing muscle with tourism appeal,” she said.
The Pokémon plushie plant could mark a new chapter for Clark, turning it into a global export hub while offering thousands of jobs, blending childhood nostalgia with serious economic clout.
