Chinese bearing giant bets $219M on Batangas
Chinese bearing manufacturer C&U Group is investing an estimated $219 million in the Philippines through the expansion of its Batangas manufacturing facility and the development of a new industrial park, reinforcing the country’s role as a key production hub for the company’s global operations.
The investment plans were presented to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque during a meeting with C&U Group Chairman Zhang Tongsheng and company executives in Shanghai, China on May 24.
According to the company, the second phase of its facility expansion at the Light Industry & Science Park III (LISP III) in Sto. Tomas, Batangas is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Once finished, total investments in the Sto. Tomas plant will reach $132 million.
C&U also provided updates on the planned Alitagtag Industrial Park in Batangas, which is being developed through Evergreen Light Singapore Inc. The project will serve as the company’s international production base for bearings and bearing components.
The first phase of the industrial park is expected to be completed within three to five years and will cover 20 hectares. The development will include two production plants as well as supporting infrastructure such as residential facilities, power facilities, and environmental protection systems. The initial phase is estimated to require an investment of $87 million.
Secretary Roque welcomed the company’s continued expansion in the Philippines, citing the government’s commitment to supporting export-oriented manufacturing and industrial investments.
She highlighted the country’s investment facilitation framework, which aims to strengthen participation in global value chains, particularly in the automotive, industrial machinery, and precision engineering sectors.
The trade chief also emphasized the government’s whole-of-government approach to supporting strategic industries, bringing together investment promotion agencies, infrastructure development programs, workforce training initiatives, logistics improvements, and targeted fiscal incentives.
C&U Group is one of the world’s leading bearing manufacturers, supplying critical components used in automotive, robotics, energy, rail transport, and industrial equipment industries. The company operates production facilities in China, the Philippines, the United States, Germany, and Japan.
The firm currently operates eight production parks globally and is developing another in China, while steadily expanding its Philippine operations to support international customers.
The DTI said it remains ready to support C&U Group’s expansion plans, noting that the company’s continued investments will help strengthen the Philippines’ position as a competitive regional manufacturing hub and deepen its participation in high-value industrial supply chains.
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