Packaging solutions for the Philippines: ALPLA opens plant in Calamba City

2026-03-22 1:44 min Management, Asia Pacific

ALPLAHard, Austria

ALPLA is opening its first base plant in the Philippines, thereby expanding its portfolio in the growth region of Asia-Pacific (APAC). Since summer 2025, the global packaging specialist has been manufacturing high-quality plastic bottles and closures in Calamba City. On 19 March 2026, ALPLA celebrated the official opening of the plant together with 80 guests.

State-of-the-art technology and 4,800 square metres of space for production, administration and logistics: ALPLA is setting the course for growth in the Philippines. The global packaging and recycling specialist has just opened its new plant in Calamba City. The location in Filinvest Technology Park (FTP) Ciudad de Calamba is a milestone for ALPLA. The company started in 2014 as an in-house partner, producing preforms and bottles directly in the filling plants of a global customer in the Philippines. With its first base plant, ALPLA is now creating a versatile offering for customers in the beverage industry and other sectors.

At the official opening ceremony on 19 March, ALPLA COO Walter Ritzer, Ronald Tichelaar (Managing Director APAC) and Christian Kotschy (General Manager ALPLA Philippines) welcomed around 80 guests, including Austria's ambassador Johann Brieger. ‘This strategically important investment in the Philippines strengthens our presence in the Asia-Pacific region. With our experience and technology, we will establish ourselves in this country as an important partner for all local and international customers,’ emphasises COO Walter Ritzer. Calamba City began production in the summer of 2025 as the 200th plant out of what are now 206 locations worldwide.

Room for expansion and reinforcement

At its new plant, ALPLA manufactures high-quality containers, bottles, and closures for various industries using three technologies: injection stretch blow moulding (ISBM), extrusion blow moulding (EBM) and compression moulding (CM). Its customers include multinational fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers, international beverage companies as well as local producers. The plant is prepared for future capacity expansions. It started with four production lines, and additional five lines can be installed if required.

‘We see great potential in the Philippine market and aim to differentiate ourselves with complete system solutions. With ISBM, EBM and CM already installed, we can offer customers a high level of vertical integration, global quality standards and efficient, reliable production from day one. Expanding our portfolio here was the logical next step,’ says Ronald Tichelaar.

ALPLA currently employs around 40 people in Calamba City. For Christian Kotschy, the team's great commitment was central to the success. The adaptation of the shell construction began early 2025. The first machines were already running by summer. ‘Establishing a new plant is always a challenge. In Calamba City, new technologies and the search for skilled workers were added to the mix. Now we have strengthened our team and are ready for more.’

Header caption: Pictured (from left): Christian Kotschy (GM ALPLA Philippines), Johann Brieger (Ambassador of Austria), Walter Ritzer (COO ALPLA), Ronald Tichelaar (MD ALPLA APAC), Francis Ceballos (SVP Filinvest Land, Inc.)

www.alpla.com

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