Laticrete PH puts up first manufacturing facility

Laticrete Philippines, Inc. inaugurated its first manufacturing facility located in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

The complex has a 1,300square meter vertical plant, a 2,900-square meter warehouse, 1,800 square meters of road lots, and another 5,000 square meters of vacant lots intended for future expansion.

Initially, the plant will manufacture 14 Laticrete products already being marketed in the Philippines, which include thinset tile and stone adhesives and skim coating (products used to flatten a wall prior to application of paint).

The facility is considered a milestone, as the cost savings brought about by manufacturing locally will help the premium brand be more competitive in the local market.

Laticrete Philippines is the local counterpart of Laticrete International, Inc., a 61-year-old family-owned construction solutions firm based in Connecticut, USA.

Laticrete Philippines was incorporated in 2015, and operates with the same struc- ture, business model, and values as that of its US counterpart.

To ensure that the quality of products is uniform with the international brand, the Bulacan manufacturing plant replicates all processes done in other Laticrete manufacturing locations like the US, India, Mexico, Singapore, and China.

Although all raw materials are locally sourced, approval and guidance from the US firm is always sought throughout the manufacturing process.

All equipment used in the plant were acquired and customized according to Laticrete International’s standard specifications.

As the company gains momentum, it plans to put up a second manufacturing facility. “We are looking at Cebu to cover the Visayas or Davao for Mindanao,” said Laticrete Philippines Commercial manager Albert Ong.

The Bulacan facility can initially manufacture products that can cover demand in Metro Manila and nearby areas, he added.