By Juzel L. Danganan
MANILA, Aug. 25 (PNA) — Norwegian-firm Hexagon Ragasco may put up a composite cylinder manufacturing plant in the Philippines that will be decided on the demand, the company said Tuesday.
”If the market is large enough yes, if it’s large enough to justify the investment,” global sales and marketing director Frederic Gaussen said in an interview at the sidelines of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Philippines Forum 2015.
The composite LPG cylinder is composed of plastic, compared to common steel type tanks. EC Gas, a subsidiary of Eastern Petroleum, is currently the only firm in the country that offers the product.
Gaussen said Eastern is doing well in promoting their cylinders and making it visible in the market. He noted it takes time to reach the point that the product becomes visible.
Gaussen also said he hopes that EC Gas will keep on increasing its sales.
He stressed that the country has the highest demand for composite cylinders in Asia at an order of a “couple of hundred thousand per year,” despite not being the first to get the product.
Gaussen said Indonesia was its first client in Asia.
The director bared the composite cylinder will also be launched in Taiwan soon, adding the company is in talks with other players located in Asia.
He said he hopes that the country becomes a cylinder manufacturing hub in Asia, further explaining its attractiveness due to its potential for increasing demand, good work force, ideal location and English proficient citizens that makes it easier for European firms. (PNA)