Japan firm Tanita eyes PH as site for health-tech hub - DTI

The Philippines is currently under consideration by Japanese precision health and wellness firm Tanita Corporation as a potential site for its next major international manufacturing hub. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) confirmed that the company is evaluating ASEAN locations to host “Factory No. 3,” which would complement existing operations in Japan and China.

Did You Know? The proposed facility is designed as an integrated site that would handle the entire production cycle, specifically covering parts processing, assembly, and inspection.

Projected Economic Impact

Should the Philippines be selected for the investment, the project is expected to generate significant economic activity. Projections provided by the DTI indicate the facility could produce approximately P2 billion in export sales and provide roughly 500 jobs within the first five years of commercial operations.

The facility is intended to serve as an export-oriented base. Products manufactured at the site would be distributed to markets in Japan, Europe, the Americas, and other parts of Asia.

Expert Insight: This development highlights the Philippines’ ongoing strategy to pivot toward high-value manufacturing. By targeting innovation-driven firms like Tanita, the government aims to establish the country as a regional nexus for wellness technology and preventive healthcare, moving beyond traditional light manufacturing roles.

High-Level Discussions

The potential investment was a key topic of discussion during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Japan. The talks included a Philippine economic delegation led by Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who met with Tanita President and CEO Senri Tanida.

Secretary Roque noted that the company aligns with the nation’s goal of attracting forward-looking, innovation-driven investors. If the proposal moves forward, it may serve as a blueprint for further integration of the Philippines into the global supply chain for precision wellness devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific functions would the proposed Tanita facility perform?

The integrated facility is planned to cover parts processing, assembly, and inspection of health and wellness devices.

Tanita Corporation logo

Which global regions would the Philippine facility serve?

According to the DTI, the facility would function as an export-oriented base supplying products to Japan, Europe, the Americas, and other Asian markets.

How many jobs could the project create?

The DTI estimates that the facility could create approximately 500 jobs within the first five years of its commercial operations.

How do you think the expansion of high-tech manufacturing hubs will influence the local labour market in the coming years?

Japan firm Tanita eyes PH as site for health-tech hub – DTI