Manila: The availability of qualified labor and supportive regulatory policies makes the Philippines an ideal location for manufacturing, according to a California-based start-up firm specializing in motors and actuators for drones and robots.
According to Philippines News Agency, Atlas Motion Systems, co-founded by chief operating officer (COO) Carlo Dela Rosa, attributes their success in the Philippines to the assistance provided by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). During a briefing in Makati City, Dela Rosa highlighted the role of PEZA personnel in helping the company navigate regulatory hurdles and secure necessary exemptions at their factory located in the Laguna Technopark in Bi±an, Laguna.
Dela Rosa emphasized the presence of representatives from various agencies at the PEZA office within the technopark, which allows locators to easily access resources necessary for their operations. Atlas Motion Systems, which has raised approximately USD11.5 million from US-based financiers, employs 15 technical staff, including engineers, to produce defense and robotics machines using artificial intelligence (AI) for clients in the United States, Nigeria, Poland, and India.
Christian Mochen, co-founder and CEO of Atlas Motion Systems, noted the long-term nature of their investments in the Philippines, citing the historical trade relationships between the Philippines and countries like the US. He remarked on the strength of the local manufacturing sector in terms of infrastructure and industry players, which the company has leveraged since its incorporation in February.
The company currently operates two plants within the technopark, producing around 10,000 motors per month, with plans to increase production to approximately 40,000 motors per month by December. Mochen praised the processed knowledge and robust manufacturing culture in the Philippines, which has enabled Atlas Motion Systems to establish its manufacturing operations quickly and surpass the output of similar US-based competitors.
Mochen also highlighted the integration of Silicon Valley technology, such as AI, to enhance the efficiency of their manufacturing processes. On the issue of tariffs, Tom Baron, co-founder and chief growth officer (GCO), pointed out that the US government has provided some flexibility on certain products, acknowledging the challenges of regulating specific components that the US currently lacks the capacity to manufacture in large quantities.
