UPS eyes expansion options

MANILA, Philippines - Package delivery company UPS is looking for expansion opportunities in the country as it is committed to grow its business here.

UPS SCS (Philippines), Inc. managing director Maurice Tim Gohoc told reporters yesterday the company is looking for ways to expand its operations in order to grow the business.

 “The Philippines is worth investing in...We continue to try to evaluate. If there is opportunity, we will continue to invest,” he said.

He said any investment to be made in the country would be to increase capacity such as fleet and personnel to keep up with the demand.

The firm sees opportunities to grow its business here given the country’s strong economic growth and rising exports, particularly electronic products and automotive parts.

“(Business) growth hinges on the exports growth of the country. Exports growth is a key driver and the economy of the country in general,” Gohoc said.

He also said that while there has been congestion in Manila’s ports, the firm’s operations have not been affected.

 “There has been no impact on our sea freight business. We do see a spike in air freight business, but this could be because the economy is doing good,” he said.

He added that there is also an uptick with the seasonal increase in deliveries in the “ber” months.

Containers have piled up at the Manila ports following the imposition of an ordinance which prevented trucks from using the city streets from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. in February.

UPS is one of world’s largest package delivery company and provider of specialized transportation and logistics services.

 The firm, which currently employs 1,200 to 1,300 individuals in the country,  has 24 flights going to Clark, Pampanga per week and a fleet of 45 trucks for deliveries.

The firm also has back-office operations at its facility in Clark catering to the US, Australia and European markets.