JT International Asia Manufacturing Corp. (JTI-AMC) has invested P2.1 billion ($37 million) to add advanced tobacco-processing technologies to its manufacturing facility in Malvar, Batangas, including the first dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET) plant among JTI sites in Southeast Asia.
The DIET plant accounts for about P1.9 billion ($34 million) of the investment and introduces a technology that uses dry ice to expand tobacco, changing how the raw material is prepared for cigarette manufacturing.
JTI said the process is intended to improve consistency and efficiency in tobacco processing.
‘The Batangas facility has built the manufacturing capabilities and technical expertise needed to support advanced technologies like DIET,’ Amir Vajdi, JTI-AMC factory lead for the Philippines, said.
‘That strong foundation made Batangas a natural location for JTI’s first DIET plant in Southeast Asia and allows us to continue advancing our manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines.’
The tobacco manufacturer also spent more than P177 million ($3 million) to expand its Controlled Atmosphere (CA) treatment facility at the Batangas site. The expansion became operational in July and doubled the facility’s treatment capacity.
The company said the project recorded 645,000 safe man-hours during implementation. The Batangas facility serves as JTI’s primary manufacturing hub for Asia, producing cigarettes for the Philippine market and exporting to 22 markets worldwide.
JTI also operates DIET facilities elsewhere in Asia, including Bangladesh and Japan.
Vajdi said the company would continue investing in the Batangas site and its workforce as it adds new technologies.
‘We continue to invest in the capabilities of our Batangas facility and in the people and technologies that will support its development over the long term.’
He added that the Philippines remains a competitive location for long-term investment, citing its local workforce, location and manufacturing ecosystem.