URC Flour’s new flour plant in Sariaya, Quezon utilizes upgraded technology that maximizes efficiency at the plant, reduces costs, and overall cuts URC’s carbon footprint.  Photo courtesy of URC.
BUSINESS

URC expands capacity with new flour mill 

Maria Bernadette Romero

Universal Robina Corp. (URC), the food and beverage arm of the Gokongwei group, has raised its daily production capacity from 2,180 metric tons (MT) to approximately 3,500 MT following the opening of a new flour mill in Sariaya, Quezon Province.

“We are seeing an ever-growing demand for our products. This new flour mill will allow us to meet that demand, maintain the quality of our products, and keep our price point competitive,” URC President and CEO Irwin C. Lee said on Wednesday.

“With its enhanced technology, substantial capacity, and focus on community development, the plant is poised to become a cornerstone of URC’s progress and a catalyst for positive change in the area.”

The facility features fully automated flour-milling technology, integrating the roller mill’s control and monitoring system in a centralized station—a first in the Philippines. Additionally, it is equipped with fully automatic packing operations to accelerate production and reduce wastage.

These technological advancements not only enhance efficiency and cut costs but also align with URC’s sustainability goals by lowering the company’s carbon footprint. The facility’s operations are designed to minimize energy consumption and resource use.

Located on a 10-hectare property, the mill is expected to create at least 150 jobs, contributing to local economic development.

URC Flour, one of the country’s leading flour millers, began commercial operations in 1970 with its first plant in Pasig and expanded to Davao in 1991.