Built on a 31-hectare site, the plant is designed as URC’s “Factory of the Future,” integrating advanced manufacturing technologies, digitalization, automation and sustainable engineering.
“For 70 years, URC has taken pride in delighting generations of consumers with good food choices,” URC president and chief executive officer Irwin C. Lee said in a statement.
“Seven years in the making, the Malvar Mega Plant is a testament to that commitment as we continue to strengthen our capabilities and delight consumers with quality food choices for generations to come,” he added.
New chapter for URC
The inauguration was attended by URC executives, national and local government officials, industry partners, employees and members of the Malvar community.
URC chair Lance Y. Gokongwei said the facility represents an important new chapter for a company whose products have become fixtures in Filipino households.
“But staying close to the heart of Filipino families also means we must continue to evolve, innovate, and prepare for the future,” Gokongwei said.
“This mega plant marks an important new chapter in our journey. It is a cornerstone of our next phase of growth and a symbol of our commitment to the future,” he added.
The facility is currently producing Piattos and Mang Juan snacks, with a new bakery facility and a ready-to-drink manufacturing operation also in the pipeline.
URC said the site was developed under a long-term master plan that will allow production capacity to expand as the company grows. Its design also seeks to optimize the movement of people and materials while meeting food safety, quality and operational standards.
Manufacturing investment
The investment comes as the Philippine food manufacturing sector continues to expand. Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data, URC said the manufacture of food products grew 6.2 percent year on year in the fourth quarter of 2025 and was the largest contributor to manufacturing growth during the period.
Malvar Mayor Artemio “Tom” C. Abu said the plant is expected to create opportunities for the local community through employment, economic activity and partnerships.
“The opening of the Malvar Mega Plant marks more than the inauguration of a new manufacturing facility—it represents new opportunities and a brighter future for the people of Malvar,” Abu said.
URC is one of the Philippines’ largest food and beverage manufacturers and also has a growing presence across Southeast Asia.
Its portfolio includes Great Taste coffee, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies.
The Malvar facility will serve as a foundation for URC’s next phase of expansion as the 70-year-old company invests in automation, innovation and additional manufacturing capacity. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
