The Philippine metals and manufacturing industry is expected to get a much-needed push toward global competitiveness with the recent launch of the Die and Mold Solution Center (DMSC) ? a one-stop solution for die and mold design and fabrication.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) unveiled the modern facility during the opening of the 4th Metals and Engineering Week last June 16.
Housed within DOST?s Metals Industry Research and Development Center in Bicutan, Taguig City, the DMSC is a project under the DOST?s Makinarya at Teknolohiya Para sa Bayan or MakiBayan, a program for empowering the local manufacturing industry by providing locally designed and developed manufacturing equipment and tools.
“State-of-the-art equipment, we have that. Competent personnel, we have that as well,” said DOST secretary Mario G. Montejo.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Gregory Domingo said the launch of the DMSC will translate to shorter turnaround times, greater savings, and a more cost-efficient production process.
Die and mold fabrication is a key element of the manufacturing industry. Locally, it also presents a major capability gap. Previous industry practice involved local players sending their die and mold designs abroad for fabrication.
Such service was not available in the Philippines, making it more costly for manufacturers and translating to lengthier production timelines. This gap has hindered the growth of the metals and allied industries in the country.
Domingo has suggested the replication of the DMSC in various other parts of the country such as Northern Luzon, Cebu, and Mindanao to allow industry players in these parts to gain access to quality fabrication services and further promote the growth and competitiveness of the local metals and allied sectors.
