PEZA honors Minebea Mitsumi, Knowles Electronics in Cebu

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Executive Committee, led by Director General Tereso O. Panga, visited two prominent locator companies in Cebu last 29 August 2024, holding the first batch of the PEZA Excellence Awards ceremony.

For the first time in the agency’s 29-year history, PEZA deviated from its tradition of holding an annual flagship event for executives of locator enterprises and instead visited the awardees on-site. This innovative approach allowed all employees of the awardees to witness the event and appreciate their vital contributions to their companies’ success, further promoting inclusivity and pride within the workforce.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the visit included guided tours led by company executives, providing the PEZA team with the opportunity to witness firsthand the advanced manufacturing processes at these world-class facilities.

Outstanding Exporter Award

Cebu Mitsumi, Inc. (Minebea Mitsumi), a leader in precision manufacturing since 1951, was honored with the Outstanding Exporter Award for its significant contributions to boosting the Philippines’ export-driven economy through the production of precision components for global industries such as consumer electronics and automotive systems. 

During the visit, the group received an in-depth look at the production lines for precision components, including the intricate assembly of miniature ball bearings and pivot assemblies for hard disk drives. The tour showcased the company’s cutting-edge technology and commitment to quality, which has helped it maintain a dominant position in the global market.

“I salute PEZA for fostering a favorable environment for the business to thrive in the international market. You are the testament to all the achievements of the government forces in promoting global trends,” said Minebea Mitsumi President Tatsuya Mori.

To date, Minebea Mitsumi has generated more than PhP 7 billion in investments, employed over 20,000 Filipino workers, and achieved an export value of US$ 730.83 million as of June 2024. The company holds a 60% share of the global market for miniature and small-sized ball bearings, 80% for pivot assemblies for hard disk drives (HDDs), and 80% for 1-cell lithium-ion battery protection ICs.

Outstanding Environmental Performance Award

In the afternoon, Knowles Electronics, a global provider of capacitors, radio frequency (RF) filtering products, advanced micro-acoustic microphones, balanced armature speakers, and audio solutions, serving the medtech, aerospace/defense, industrial, electrification, and consumer electronics markets, received the Outstanding Environmental Performance Award for its exemplary sustainable practices.

“In 2012, it was very clear to me, to our corporate leaders, and the Cebu pioneer team, that Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability will be at the heart of our operations because it humanizes what we do and it gives a larger perspective and meaning on how Knowles impacts the world,” said Knowles Electronics Vice President and Managing Director Joseph Emmanuel Liwag.

During the site tour, the PEZA team was introduced to the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing processes for high-performance audio components and sensor solutions. The visit highlighted Knowles’ innovative approaches to sustainability, focusing on its energy-efficient operations and waste reduction practices.

To date, Knowles Electronics has generated PhP 3.016 billion in investments, created over 2,000 direct jobs, and expanded operations in the country to include R&D and other EMS-SMS activities.

PEZA Chief Panga expressed his admiration for the companies’ contributions to the Philippine economy and their role in fostering a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility. “Your operations in the ecozones have paved the way for us to contribute to the overall progress of the country and our regions. As the largest ecozone authority in the country, we remain committed to providing avenues through our ecozones for investment and business expansion for remarkable companies like Minebea Mitsumi and Knowles Electronics, as well as the rest of our valued locators.”

These awards and immersive site visits highlight PEZA’s commitment to recognizing Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) that excel in both economic performance and environmental stewardship. They underscore the balance between industrial growth and sustainability, showcasing the companies’ unwavering dedication to operational excellence and sustainable growth. 

The next awarding ceremony will be held in the 4^th quarter of the year.