NKC Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (NKC Phils.), the local auto and industrial parts-making subsidiary of Japanese multinational company Nakanishi Metal Works Co., Ltd. (NKC Group), has tapped the First Gen Group (First Gen) for the construction and operation of a rooftop solar power facility at the NKC Phils. factory in Cebu. This initiative is part of the NKC Group’s broader efforts to integrate sustainability practices into its core business and operations.
The agreement, finalized by NKC Phils. and First Gen last May 14, calls for the latter to design and install a 1.84-megawatt-peak rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the former’s production facilities inside the Mactan Economic Zone in Cebu.
First Gen has started constructing the PV system and expects to complete the project— including energization and integration into NKC Phils. electrical system before end-2026.
“We appreciate partners like NKC that has sustainability and customer experience at heart. We share their vision of offering high-quality products at reasonable costs, made with the lowest carbon footprint. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the NKC team as they continue to shift to renewable energy and rationalize their power consumption,” Mark Malabanan, First Gen Energy Solutions vice president for solar and commercial business development.
“Rising labor costs, inflation and the fact that our industry consumes a lot of heat comes with considerable impact on us. The impetus for using solar power stems from our environmental concerns while ensuring stable energy supply. By integrating solar power into our operation, we are choosing to power our growth with renewable energy,” NKC Phils. President Norihiko Matsuda said in response.
Established in 1997, NKC Phils. makes precision rubber seals, plastic and metal retainer, bearing related products as well as sash rollers for windows and sliding doors for the global automotive and industrial sectors. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the NKC Group has earned a reputation as a manufacturer of specialized industrial components, automotive parts, and automated logistics systems under the NKC brand.
First Gen, the largest renewable energy producer in the Philippines, has a diverse portfolio of 31 facilities that generates electricity from solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy.
Aside from producing renewable energy, the First Gen group also supports businesses with solutions to rationalize their energy consumption. These solutions include on-site solar PV facilities, remote energy monitoring systems and energy audits.
