Around 40 provincial bus operators from the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) converged recently at the 1,300 square meter world-class manufacturing plant of Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation (Roberts AIPMC) in Cabuyao, Laguna.
Their visit left them mesmerized and were full of pride when they realized that the products they saw, mainly radiators and leaf springs or molye, all staple products of vehicles such as buses and which they thought were made overseas, are all proudly and quality-made by fellow Pinoys.
The tour of the ISO 9001:2008-certified plant was sponsored by Roberts AIPMC, a leading name in the manufacture of radiators (Evercool), leaf springs (Tiger), mufflers and exhaust systems (Soundex) in the country. The company, a part of the RGC Group of Companies, makers of the popular Uratex foam, also provides metal stamping and fabrication services to some of the world’s popular Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, Isuzu Philippines, Columbian Motors, Pilipinas Hino and Suzuki.
After a brief presentation on how Roberts AIPMC’s products and services can benefit PBOAP members, the group proceeded to the main factory area. Their excitement was instantly felt since it was their first time to visit a modern plant that manufactures parts they need to effectively and safely run their buses.
At the main assembly line, they all marveled at the modern testing equipment that can simulate actual road conditions that OEMs require. The PBOAP members saw how these state-of-the-art devices like the Vibration, Impulse and Wind Tunnel testing machines enable Roberts to subject its products to rigorous testing to ensure that they meet globally recognized standards with regard to safety, stability and overall quality.
A PBOAP member, Rolly Alamo, a Maintenance Manager at St. Rose Transit, was pleasantly surprised when he saw the technology being used in making radiators and leaf springs and the quality of the output. “It’s good that they have the technology to make superior products. It will teach operators to go local instead of foreign brands. We are proud to know that Filipinos are making products like radiators and leaf springs that will be of great benefit to local bus operators,” Alamo said during the plant tour.
For his part, Alex Yague, PBOAP President, felt privileged in visiting a plant such as that of Roberts AIPMC for the first time. Just like the others, Yague thought the products were imported. “Actually, when we got the invitation, we were curious if they were really Pinoy made, and we’re glad that they are. It’s nice to know that we now have the technology, with matching Pinoy ingenuity, to produce world-class products that will help us. We are also happy that they can even customize their products to fit operators’ specific needs and road requirements,” says Yague.
He also thanked the RGC Group, under which Roberts AIPMC belongs, for the opportunity. “We thank them for arranging this first-ever meeting. I really feel proud knowing that a 100-percent Pinoy firm is making products that meet global quality standards right here in our own backyard.”
To which Eddie Gallor, Executive Vice President of the RGC Group of Companies, replied, “We are happy the PBOAP members liked what they saw, and their surprise that the products they know are imported are actually made here. We thank the PBOAP for accepting our invitation and we hope we could be of further service to them. This is not the first time we will meet with PBOAP and hopefully, we can learn from each other further.”
The Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation plant and office is located at the RGC Compound, Canlubang Industrial Estate, Bo. Pittland, Cabuyao, Laguna. For more information, visit www.roberts.com.ph.
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