Universal Robina Corporation inaugurates US$95M flour mill in Quezon, Philippines

PHILIPPINES – Universal Robina Corporation (URC), a leading player in the Philippines’ food and beverage industry, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art flour milling facility in Barangay Talaan-Aplaya, Sariaya, Quezon.

The new plant represents an investment of approximately US$95 million (P5.4 billion) and strengthens the company’s position as a major contributor to the nation’s food security and agricultural development.

URC has long been a pioneer in the food and beverage industry, with a diverse portfolio of products, including snacks, beverages, and baking ingredients.

The facility, URC’s third flour mill, spans 10 hectares and features cutting-edge automated technology. It is designed to produce 1,320 tons of flour daily, with an annual capacity of 297,000 metric tons of flour and 99,000 metric tons of bran and pollard.

Scheduled to commence operations in January, it will employ 102 workers, underscoring URC’s commitment to generating local employment and fostering economic growth.

Speaking at the event, URC Chairman Lance Gokongwei emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting the Philippine food system.

 “This facility reflects URC’s continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation. We are not only investing in advanced technologies but also contributing to the stability and affordability of food products for Filipinos,” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., Secretary Conrado Estrella of the Department of Agrarian Reform, and Quezon’s local officials attended the inauguration.

Secretary Tiu Laurel praised URC for its forward-thinking approach and highlighted the flour mill’s potential to bolster food production.

“This plant represents a critical step in strengthening the agricultural value chain. It ensures the steady supply of high-quality flour, a staple in many Filipino households and industries,” he stated.

URC’s new facility integrates automated processes for milling, storage, and packaging, designed to optimize efficiency and maintain the highest quality standards. Its products will cater to both local and international markets, aligning with URC’s vision of becoming a global leader in food manufacturing.

The investment also aligns with national priorities, particularly the government’s push for food security and agricultural resilience.

“By establishing this facility, URC exemplifies how private-sector initiatives can complement government efforts to achieve a more sustainable and self-sufficient food system,” Tiu Laurel added.

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