The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is working to accelerate the launch of Singaporean manufacturer MNEX’s P180-million precision manufacturing facility in Batangas, with production targeted to begin in early 2027.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met MNEX Chief Executive Officer Cindy Goh-Cabral in Singapore on October 10 to assess the project’s progress and discuss government assistance to address investment concerns.
Located at the Light Industry and Science Park III–Special Economic Zone in Santo Tomas, Batangas, the facility marks MNEX’s first manufacturing investment in the Philippines. The plant is undergoing renovation and will produce precision-molded components for international electronics, medical device and industrial markets.
The project will introduce advanced micro-molding technology to the country, potentially strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and supporting supply chains serving high-value industries.
“MNEX’s advanced precision manufacturing facility significantly strengthens our domestic industrial supply chain for global electronics and medical device markets,” Roque said.
However, the investment’s operational timeline depends partly on resolving concerns raised by the company, particularly electricity costs and land ownership.
Roque highlighted government incentives and investment arrangements available to address these issues, including enhanced deductions for power expenses, industrial land leases of up to 99 years and full foreign ownership of renewable energy projects.
The discussions also covered MNEX’s interest in establishing a Philippine-based digital team to support its manufacturing systems, pointing to potential technical and digital functions alongside production activities.
MNEX, a subsidiary of Singapore-based Meiban Group, specializes in precision tooling, plastic injection molding, metal machining and automated assembly. Its investment was registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in December 2025.
DTI and PEZA have committed to facilitating the facility’s completion and supporting potential expansion projects.
The plant’s planned launch would add to the Philippines’ advanced manufacturing base, although its contribution will depend on timely completion, sustained operations and the company’s ability to scale production for global markets.
