High-tech press line worth Php 1 billion inaugurated by Toyota PH

MANILA: In a recent development, Toyota has inaugurated a Php 1 billion high-technology press line that comprises of a 1600-ton servo-type press machine with automated sheet feeder and unloader robot. Courtesy of the new press, Toyota will now be able to produce large side member panels in the Philippines. Also, the new line is the biggest localization project ever that falls under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) programme.

Being large, accuracy demanding, and a kind of body parts which come in contact with many of the other parts of the body, the side member panels will be highly benefited from the new servo press technology. The new machinery will not only enable localization of the side member panels but also improve the level of accuracy, formability, and repeatability. Another interesting fact is that Toyota Motor Philippines is the first automaker that will be using this tech in the country.

"Today, we mark another milestone not only for TMP but for the Philippine automotive manufacturing industry as well. We now have the capability to produce the largest body shell part with high productivity, better energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs", said  Toyota Motor Philippines President Satoru Suzuki during the inaugural ceremony of the press line.

Furthermore, the new press will not only help Toyota in achieving better quality but the automaker's in-house parts production capability will also go up. With the new line now in function, Toyota Motor Philippines can produce 66,000 units annually. Also, the parts produced in the Philippines now contribute to 58% of the total shell weight for the New Vios. The figure easily surpasses the requirement of 50% by the CARS programme.

“I’m very happy that after three years, as part of the CARS program, it’s now being produced in the Philippines. I’m very happy that you even surpassed the localization target of 50% so that now we are at 58%. That would not have been possible, first, without the partnership between Toyota [in> Japan and of course the Metrobank Group here in the Philippines,

and most especially the hard work of the men and women, the staff, the skilled workers, the administrative personnel that we have here, the Filipinos and Japanese who are working under Toyota Motor Philippines,” said Ceferino Rodolfo, who is the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary.

Back in 2017, Toyota Motor Philippines inaugurated a Php 700 million resin injection moulding facility that manufacturers bumpers and instrument panels for the Vios. The facility has an annual capacity of producing 66,000 units. As of May 2019, Toyota Motor Philippines has already invested Php 5.38 billion for the CARS programme in the country.

Also Read:- How about a Toyota Vios Race Car for Php 1,400,000?