Train supplier from South Korea invited to set-up manufacturing plant in the Philippines

A train manufacturer firms, the Hyundai Rotem from South Korea has been asked to put up train manufacturing facilities in the country after completing its ongoing MRT-7 project to supply train cars for the 22.8-kilometer, 14-station elevated railway line connecting the MRT-3 interchange at North Avenue to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Raul Hernandez invited the firm during a meeting with Hyundai Rotem president and CEO Kim Seung-tak at its headquarters in Uiwang, Gyeonggi province on June 27.

Hyundai Rotem President Kim assured Ambassador Hernandez of the excellent quality and timely delivery of the train cars. The two agreed that the project’s successful completion is crucial, which could pave the way for Hyundai Rotem’s involvement in more infrastructure and private-public partnership (PPP) projects in the Philippines in the future.

Hernandez likewise asked the firm to “consider more investments into the Philippines,” the DFA said. “Hyundai Rotem responded positively and said they will look into this, especially if they enter into more projects in the future.”

Hernandez and Kim “also discussed possible cooperation in armored vehicles, as well as the opportunities in the Philippines for other industries under the Hyundai Motor Group such as car parts manufacturing.”

Hyundai Rotem, part of the Hyundai Motors Group, specializes in manufacturing train rolling stock and train systems, defense products, and plant equipment won the $440.2 million contract to supply 108 train cars, signaling, communications and power supplies for the MRT-7 project. It was awarded in January 2016 at KRW530-billion (USD 440.2 million) turnkey contract by Universal LRT Corp. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2019. – Jason E.