Last September 7, 2020, we announced our recent acquisition of Cargill’s stake in Philippine Bio-Industries (PBI) – the first fully automated refined carrageenan facility in Asia – that would help boosts our supply of high-quality carrageenan-based food ingredient systems. It is another milestone for the Philippine carrageenan industry.
We’ve been involved in PBI from the beginning of its conceptualization and incorporation. The said facility started operating in the Philippines since November 1992 and uses patented European technology to produce fully refined carrageenan based on local seaweed raw materials and operates with a focus on food safety and food security, acquiring both ISO 9001 and FSSSC 22000 certifications. Its state-of-the-art technology is also fully compliant with Halal and Kosher requirements and is located on a PEZA Special Economic Zone.
After more than a month of transition period, we talked with a few people from PBI about their experience as part of W Group family.
(L-R) Eden Landicho, Production Supervisor (27 years in service); Ritchie Dugang, Plant Manager; and Richard Ibay, Operations Manager
“I was overwhelmed by the diverseness and sustainability of all businesses of W Group. I was touched by the journey of hardship of Chairman Wee from the beginning that he started their business and seeing him in picture riding a banca (small boat) with seaweeds farmers and become a multi-million group of companies. But still, remains to be humble. This also explains why he is well grounded in overseeing those businesses.”
–Richard Ibay, Operations Manager
“With my long experience within the company, I am up for a new challenge and enthusiastic about what is to come. I have already gone through a previous organizational change with positive results for my career and I’m very excited about the new owners of PBI. I’m also expecting positive outcomes likes new skills as a leader and part of the W Group family.”
–Eden Landicho, Production Supervisor (27 years in service)
“As the site manager of PBI, I was informed about the impending transition months back. And just like any life changes, there is a feeling of uncertainty and sense of discomfort as to how the transition will affect my team, our career, and eventually our own respective families.
The day of the transition was the day that uncertainties and doubts was fully cleared with the assurance of WHI President, John Wee, to the whole PBI organization that there would be minimal to no major changes will happen to PBI, but instead, he plans to further improve what we currently have.
I am grateful to the leaders of the W Group, led by our CEO – Winston Wee, President – John Wee, and our Chairman – Wee Lee Hiong, that amid the pandemic, while some companies are shutting and slowing down, they have shown interests and saw the potential of the plant and its people. They have great and bigger plans for PBI not just to earn but to grow more and create more jobs for the community.
I’m not just proud to be part of the W Group, I am truly proud to be working on a Filipino owned company competing against the best in the world.”
–Ritchie Dugang, Plant Manager
