Steel manufacturing giant SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp. has hired 106 repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across its four mills as it ramps up plans to expand domestic steel production.
SteelAsia said on Wednesday that many of the returning workers previously worked in steel mills in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other parts of the Middle East before coming home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the OFWs are now helping build the company’s steel sections mill in Lemery, Batangas — a facility SteelAsia said will become the country’s first producer of structural steel products such as I-beams, H-sections, channel steel, and angle bars.
The plant is expected to begin operations later this year and is part of the company’s broader push to establish the Philippines’ first integrated steel mill.
SteelAsia noted that the country still imports all heavy structural steel products used in infrastructure, construction, and industrial projects.
Antonio Rivera, acting production head and a returning OFW, said many former overseas workers viewed the project as a chance to bring home years of industry experience gained abroad.
Several workers said they learned about the openings through former colleagues and industry networks.
The company added that its expansion plans could generate at least 30,000 jobs through direct hiring and related industries in the coming years.
Meanwhile, the SteelAsia Academy continues to provide technical and vocational training for workers and nearby communities.
