Mazda Center for Excellence inaugurated

The facade of the new Mazda Center of Excellence warehouse and training facility in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc., the sole authorized distributor of Mazda Cars in the Philippines recently inaugurated their brand-new Mazda Center for Excellence Training and Logistics Hub located in Cabuyao, Laguna. Total direct investment into the new facility, situated on the 2.5 hectare property amounts to P280,000,000 and could grow further as the company expands its facility further, as a sign of commitment to the Philippine automotive industry and the overall Philippine Economy.

Cabuyao City was chosen for its proximity to the Port of Batangas, making land-transit of vehicles from the international seaport, to a dedicated warehouse facility fast and easy. The new facility is also only a few hundred meters away from the Cabuyao Exit of the South Luzon Expressway, allowing for fast turn-around and ease of entry / exit to the facility. Lastly, the Cabuyao City local government has been very helpful to Bermaz Auto Philippines in securing all the necessary permits and licenses to expedite approval, construction and opening, which started 30 months ago.

The inauguration was attended by the Executive Board of Directors of Bermaz Auto Berhad Malaysia, the parent company of Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc., headed by Executive Chairman Datu Sri Ben Yeoh Choon San, CEO Datu Francis Lee and Chairman Datu Ahmer Hamza. Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc. CEO Steven Tan, CFO Tan Teck Wah, and Susumu Niinai, General Manager for ASEAN Business Office of Mazda Motor Corporation were also in attendance. The Cabuyao City Mayor’s Office was represented by Roy Gecolea, the Mayor’s brother. Select media, partner bank officers, dealer principals and suppliers were also present to wish the company luck on their latest venture.

Bermaz Auto Bhd, Bermaz Auto PHand Mazda Motor Corp. officials formally open the facility. From left, Steven Tan, president and CEO of BAP; Dato Francis Lee, CEO of Bermaz Malaysia; Susumu Niinai, General Manager, ASEAN Business Office,Mazda Motor Corporation; Dato Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman, Bermaz Malaysia, Dato Amer Hamza Ahmed, Chairman & Executive Director, Bermaz Malaysia; Tan Eng Hwa, CFO BAP; Roy Gecolea, representing Mayor Mel Gecolea of Cabuyao City and Atty. Aldrin Panopio, OIC General Services Office, Cabuyao City

The 2.5 hectare facility includes a smart and green main building utilizing the latest technologies and innovations from the Philippines. 270 solar panels mounted on the rooftop of the Training Center provided by local company NET Solar Inc. will provide renewable electrical energy for daily operations for the entire facility. There is still space to add more panels in the future. All the structures including the warehouse / logistics hub are designed to catch rainwater to fill a cistern tank, and provide enough water for 30 days of operations for the entire facility, with technology provided by Weida Philippines Inc. Lastly, the precast panels are a local invention of Arch. Eduardo Urcia of LFA Construction Inc. The lightweight panels are quick to make, uses simple, tried and tested technology readily available locally, and once installed, promotes circulation and ventilation for the building, helping lower electricity consumption. Mr. Tan made sure that Bermaz Auto Philippines worked with as many local local talents, suppliers and contractors, as a means to give back to the Philippines.

Aside from the training and customer service building, a 1.3 hectare covered parking facility with space for 952 vehicles has also been built, allowing the pre-delivery inspection process to be in a proper world-class facility. While Bermaz Auto has yet to fully move into their new facility, Mr. Tan said in his welcome remarks that, “like excellence, the Mazda Center for Excellence is always a work in progress.” Bermaz Auto Philippines expects to move into the new facility by early next year.

Despite a struggling 2019 automotive industry, it’s good that companies like Bermaz Auto Berhad Malaysia, Bermaz Auto Inc. Ph and Mazda Motor Corp. remain committed to the local auto industry for the long run. With their new facility, expect and greater customer and after-sales service from the brand.

A 1.3 hectare covered parking facility with space for 952 vehicles

Berjaya Auto PH president and CEO Steven Tan