JAPANESE-OWNED NKC Manufacturing Philippines Corp. has tapped First Gen Corp. to install and manage a rooftop solar facility at its Cebu production site, as manufacturers in export zones accelerate shifts toward renewable energy to manage power costs and supply stability.
In a statement on Tuesday, First Gen said it has started construction of a 1.84-megawatt-peak rooftop solar photovoltaic system at NKC Phils.’ plant inside the Mactan Economic Zone. The project is targeted for completion before the end of 2026.
NKC Manufacturing Philippines President Norihiko Matsuda said the shift to solar was driven by both cost pressures and operational needs.
“Rising labor costs, inflation and the fact that our industry consumes a lot of heat comes with considerable impact on us,” he said. “The impetus for using solar power stems from our environmental concerns while ensuring stable energy supply.”
NKC Phils. is the local unit of Japan’s Nakanishi Metal Works Co. Ltd. It produces rubber seals, plastic and metal retainers, bearing components and sash rollers used in automotive and industrial applications for global markets.
Mark Malabanan, First Gen vice-president for solar and commercial business development, said the partnership reflects growing industrial demand for embedded renewable energy solutions.
He said First Gen expects continued collaboration with NKC as the manufacturer expands its use of cleaner power and improves energy efficiency across operations.
First Gen Energy Solutions, a unit of First Gen Corp., provides distributed energy services including on-site solar installations, energy audits, and remote monitoring systems aimed at reducing consumption and improving efficiency.
First Gen Corp. operates about 1,700 megawatts of capacity from hydro, geothermal, solar and wind assets across the Philippines. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

source