Philippine Manufacturing Company Celebrates its 30th Anniversary
Aiming for Further Growth
In January 1996, Shimadzu Corporation established Shimadzu Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (hereafter SPM) as a manufacturing company of the Shimadzu Group in a special economic zone in Cavite, Philippines. Over the past 30 years, SPM has expanded its business by manufacturing electronic balances and printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in Shimadzu products. Employees came together to celebrate SPM’s journey and the efforts that have made its success possible.
Long-Service Awards at the 30th Anniversary Ceremony.
A member who has been with SPM since its establishment (center right) was also recognized for 30 years of service
More than 950,000 Electronic Balances Shipped in 30 Years
SPM's first shipment consisted of 110 electronic balances (BL model) in September 1996. Since then, SPM has expanded its production capacity through factory expansions, new facilities, and equipment upgrades. To date, it has shipped more than 950,000 balances to destinations around the world.
Various types of balances are manufactured and shipped worldwide
Balance Production Line
SPM is Responsible for 30 % of the PCBs Used in Shimadzu Products
In October 1996, SPM began manufacturing PCBs for electronic balances. The company subsequently began manufacturing PCBs for other products, and in 2017, it began producing PCBs for liquid chromatographs (LC), one of Shimadzu’s core product lines. The following year, SPM constructed a new factory and further increased production.
PCBs manufactured at SPM are installed in a wide range of Shimadzu products
PCB Production Line
Starting with Two Japanese and Five Filipino Employees
Shigehiko Hattori, who later served as the 10th president of Shimadzu Corporation and is currently an advisor, became the first president of SPM. One employee seconded from Japan, who served as vice president, started balance production locally together with the first five employees hired in the Philippines. Before production began in June 1996, the five employees spent April and May at the Sanjo Works at Shimadzu Corporation's Head Office in Kyoto, where they learned balance assembly and other manufacturing operations.
Commemorative photo of the employee seconded from Japan and the first five employees hired locally (June 27, 1996)
As new employees joined the company one after another, SPM obtained certification for its quality management system three years later and for its environmental management system the following year. The company continued to grow through proactive improvement activities. In addition to its role in Shimadzu’s business, SPM places a strong emphasis on volunteer activities and continues to contribute to the local community.
Participating in tree-planting activities and river cleanups organized by the local community (photo taken in 2025)
Overcoming Difficult Times
In January 2020, the eruption of Taal Volcano disrupted the supply of materials from suppliers. During the spread of COVID-19, SPM faced not only restrictions on factory operations but also the loss of one of its valued employees.
Having overcome these many challenges, SPM continues to expand its business, supported by rigorous process management and quality systems. Both its balance and PCB businesses have achieved record-high sales.
At important milestones such as its anniversary celebrations, SPM recognizes employees for their long service, expressing its appreciation for their many years of dedication and hard work. With a workforce of over 400 employees, SPM is using its 30th anniversary as a fresh start to forge a new path toward the future.
Group photo from the 30th anniversary ceremony
Comment from Jonathan Fortunado, a Member of SPM since its Establishment
Receiving the 30 Years Loyalty Award during SPM’s 30th Anniversary was both a great honor and a humbling experience. While the award bears my name, I accept it as a reflection of the collective efforts of the many people who helped build SPM’s success over the past three decades.
As one of the five pioneers who joined SPM in 1996, I have been privileged to witness its growth from humble beginnings into a respected member of the global Shimadzu Group. Along the way, I learned invaluable lessons from many leaders and colleagues, especially Mr. Masatoshi Horio, our founding Executive Vice President, whose principles of discipline, dedication, and the right attitude toward work continue to guide us today.
The anniversary celebration brought together employees across generations, reminding me that SPM’s future is in capable hands. As we enter our fourth decade, I remain grateful for the opportunities entrusted to me and confident that SPM's journey has only one direction: forward and upward.
SPMComment from Kazuya Fujimoto, President of SPM
I am delighted that SPM has reached its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone. Over the past 30 years, SPM has supported the growth of the Shimadzu Group through the manufacture of electronic balances and printed circuit boards, and has continued to grow through the efforts of many former and current employees.
For me personally, it is a great source of pride to celebrate SPM's 30th anniversary as a member of this company with such a long and distinguished history. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our employees, who have continued to put quality first while overcoming numerous challenges.
Going forward, SPM will continue to serve as an important manufacturing base supporting the Shimadzu Group, providing products that earn the trust of our customers while also focusing on developing our people and contributing to the local community. With our 30th anniversary as a new beginning, we will continue taking on challenges to make SPM an even more attractive company for the next 10 and 30 years.
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