A determined risk taker
NATIVIDAD Y. CHENG shares that she and her husband, Robert, started Multiflex RNC Philippines, Inc. ( Uratex) because they wanted to get out of poverty by capitalizing on their familiarity with the upholstery business, which was the trade of her husband’s grandfather. At the time, there was only one foaming supplier in the industry. Realizing that there was not enough supply to meet the growing demand for foams and that imports on materials were inconsistent, the Chengs decided to put up Multiflex RNC Philippines, Inc. ( Uratex), formerly known as the Polyfoam Chemical Corporation with seed money of just P4,000.
While other producers concentrated on low- quality foam, the Chengs focused on quality and value-for-money products with longer warranties, which, today, last up to 15 years.
Ms. Cheng recalls a big fire early on in their business which put them to the test. They lost their hardearned investments and had to start from scratch. She and her husband overcame this tragedy by appealing to their creditors. After a year, they were able to get back on their feet. Fire accidents in the past have prompted Uratex to upgrade their technology for safety.
Eventually becoming well-known for the quality of its products, the company’s mattress line of foam products continued to grow. They were presented with opportunities to diversify and offer their products to other indust r ies such as automotive, electronics, footwear, garments and construction.
Today, the group is leading the local manufacturing of foam, mat tress, microwavable food containers, textile, mono- block furniture, and automotive original equipment manufacturer parts, including car seats, radiators and mufflers, among others. It has also recently ventured into furniture partnering with a Belgian company. Multif lex RNC Philippines, Inc. ( Uratex) established itself through factories, warehouse and showrooms in different parts of Metro Manila as well as in the provinces. Products are also available nationwide through their show rooms in 20 locations nationwide and over 1,000 retail establishments. They now export to Guam, Australia and Asia.
Ms. Cheng says they constantly look at different industry trends in Europe, US and Japan and invest in research and development. Multiflex RNC Philippines, Inc. ( Uratex) continues to be at the forefront of product innovation, investing in highly advanced machines and building world- class facilities that would help fulfill the increasing product and service demands of both local and international customers. To keep up with international quality standards, the company also invested in Hennecke multiflex foaming machinery.
The company also has the only complete and certified foam testing laboratory in the country. Its research and development team regularly undergoes rigorous training under global foam manufacturing experts. They are also exposed to different manufacturing technologies to help them develop newer foam products.
Under Ms. Cheng’s guidance, the company has received numerous awards of achievement including the PLDT Bossing Award, the Go Negosyo Filipina “Starpreneurs” award, the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand awards, global product and systems qual ity certifications, automotive industry recognitions, as well as national productivity and quality awards.