Tsuneishi expands Cebu facility

Cebu-based shipbuilding firm, Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Cebu Inc. (THICI) will be hiring an additional 4,000 skilled workers in the next three months to operate its recently completed P12-billion expansion project. THICI Director Roberto Aboitiz said the additional workforce will increase total employment of the facility to around 9,000 skilled workers comprised of welders and pipefitters, among others.

Aboitiz said THICI intends to hire some of the displaced workers from another shipbuilding firm, FBMA Marine Inc., which ceased operations last month after getting zero orders from foreign clients early this year.

THICI?s P12-billion expansion project includes a fourth slipway allowing the company to build up to 19,000 dwt Panamax bulk carriers and the yard plans to increase building capacity by 2011 from 14 vessels annually to 22 vessels when the company?s new 900m dock comes into in full operation.

Aboitiz said that amid a reported “drying up” in the global shipbuilding industry, THICI continues to attract overseas clients. He said the company has booked orders up to 2013 with more projects already in the pipeline. The shipyard delivered its 97th vessel in July, the 58,000 dwt Medi Segesta to Orient Line. THICI is a joint venture between Japanese-owned Tsuneishi Holdings with an 80% stake in the company, while Cebu-based Aboitiz & Co. Inc. owns the remaining 20%.