It’s been two years since a businessman from the Philippines first made known his interest to set up a food processing plant in the territory.
Tomorrow, the businessman Mr. Anthony Bernado will join Governor Lolo Moliga and other local leaders in turning ground at the Industrial Park where his company, AVM Bernado Engineering, will build the new plant.
Director of Commerce Keniseli Lafaele says the lot which has been assigned to the company, is behind where the temporary taxi stands are located adjacent to the M&O Division of Public Works.
Mr. Anthony Bernardo and another company representative are due to arrive via Samoa early tomorrow morning for the ground breaking.
The DOC Director says in case there’s a delay in Bernardo’s arrival then the ceremony will be postponed to Monday.
Construction of the multi food processing plant is expected to take one year and once completed it will produce fish based products, along with a juice line…to include coco water, mango, nonu, and other fruits.
AVM Bernado Engineering is joining forces with another company on the local venture.
The identity of the partner company will be announced at the groundbreaking.
Mr. Bernardo was here with Mr. Justin Uy, president of Pro Food International, a major food manufacturer in the Philippines, late last year to conduct that company’s own due diligence of the project.
In previous interviews with Mr. Bernado, he said the plant would hire up to 700 people.
While the groundbreaking gives pause for celebration, Director of Commerce Lafaele says his excitement is on control mode until a year from now when the plant begins production.
He acknowledged that to get to this point from two and a half years ago is an achievement on the part of all parties involved.
He said God willing, this becomes an economic reality for the territory and thanks to Him.
