Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has inaugurated its Malvar Mega Plant in Batangas, bringing a major new production site online as the company celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Built on a 31-hectare property, the Malvar Mega Plant is starting production with snack brands Piattos and Mang Juan, with a new bakery facility and ready-to-drink (RTD) manufacturing operation already in the pipeline as URC continues to develop the site over the coming years.
“For 70 years, URC has taken pride in delighting generations of consumers with good food choices,” said Irwin C. Lee, URC President and CEO. “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.”
Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are URC Chairman Lance Y. Gokongwei and URC President and CEO Irwin C. Lee (5th and 6th from right), and Malvar Mayor Artemio C. Abu (4th from right). Joining them are (from left) David J. Lim, Jr., URC Chief Technology Officer; Jesselyn P. Panis, URC Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer; Vicente Millera Villanueva, Barangay Captain of San Pioquinto, Malvar; Mian David, Group President of URC BCFG Philippines; Rolando Tumambing, representing the Office of the Governor of Batangas; Atty. Cristine Collantes-Garcia, representing the Office of Rep. King Collantes; and Tereso O. Panga, Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. IMAGE URC
The inauguration brought together URC executives, national and local government leaders, industry partners, employees, and members of the Malvar community for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the lowering of a time capsule. URC Chairman Lance Y. Gokongwei used the occasion to look back on the company’s seven decades of serving Filipino consumers while emphasizing the need to keep evolving.
“We have been part of the everyday lives of millions of families – from their first cup of coffee in the morning, to the iconic snacks and beverages they enjoy with family and friends,” Gokongwei said. “But staying close to the heart of Filipino families also means we must continue to evolve, innovate, and prepare for the future. 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.”
A Site Built to Expand
URC’s plans for Malvar extend well beyond the production lines now operating. The mega site is one of the company’s long-term investments in additional capacity and supply chain improvements, supporting efforts to optimize its manufacturing footprint and operations while improving how products reach customers.
Resource efficiency is another focus of the development. URC earlier said its manufacturing lines would incorporate improvements intended to reduce material inputs, production waste, labor requirements, energy use, and water consumption, while plans for the site included solar panels, natural lighting and ventilation, rainwater recovery, and wastewater reuse.
These features form part of what URC calls its “Factory of the Future,” which combines advanced manufacturing technologies, digitalization, automation, and sustainable engineering to improve operational efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety.
Jobs and Local Growth
The plant is coming online as food manufacturing remains a significant contributor to Philippine industry. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the manufacture of food products grew by 6.2% year on year in the fourth quarter of 2025, making it the largest contributor to manufacturing growth during the period.
As the Malvar site develops, its impact is also expected to support employment and economic activity in the surrounding community.
“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,” said Malvar Mayor Artemio C. Abu. “We welcome this milestone and the lasting value it will create for our community through jobs, growth, and stronger partnerships.”
With URC moving towards its eighth decade, the Malvar Mega Plant gives the company ample room to grow while strengthening the manufacturing capabilities that will support the business in the years ahead.
For more information on URC, visit urc.com.ph
