Aussie logistics firm sets up Philippines office

MANILA, Philippines — Australian logistics firm Toll Group has opened an office in the Philippines as it expects to achieve double-digit growth in the next five years.

In a statement Monday, Toll Group said it established an office in the country to more effectively support local businesses.

Located in Aseana City in Parañaque, Toll Group’s office is situated within the business district and in close proximity to major sea and airports.

The firm has named Benjamin Bathan as country manager for the Philippines to be responsible for building the local team’s capabilities for future growth.

“Based on current market trends, Toll Group is forecasting its Philippines office to achieve high double-digit growth in the next five years, with focus verticals being the industrial, retail, technology, and automotive sectors,” the firm said.

Bathan said the firm’s direct expansion into the Philippines aims to enhance local businesses’ access to global opportunities.

He said many freight forwarders in the Philippines operate through a partner-based model and do not personally own a global or regional supply chain network, creating challenges in visibility and quality control.

“The launch of a local office enables Toll Group to fill this service gap, offering businesses in the Philippines access to our extensive global network and Asia-centric expertise to strengthen their growth prospects amid the uncertainty arising from the pandemic,” he said.

Rajeev Sood, senior vice president for the ASEAN and Indian subcontinent at Toll Global Forwarding, said the pandemic has made it necessary for businesses not just in the Philippines, but also across the world, to diversify the supply networks.

He said access to multiple suppliers and markets would be important for business continuity and resilience.

“Having a direct presence in the Philippines reaffirms Toll Group’s commitment to helping businesses across Asia navigate supply chain challenges and contributes to the continued expansion of our regional network and presence,” he said.

Prior to opening a local office, Toll Group has been present in the country since 2007, working mainly through local partners.