[ Manila Bulletin Online ] September 26, 2008
Environments Global Ltd. (EG), a Filipino multinational player in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry remains bullish about the prospects of the real estate and construction business in the Philippines. It cites tourism, offshore investments in business process outsourcing, and the domestic real estate demand driving the upsurge. EG announced its plans to expand its business here and abroad in the next 12 months to increase the firm’s bandwidth to capture a bigger share of the market.
"We are more than doubling the size of our business both in terms of floor space and headcount in the next year," said Antony Zubiri, EG Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
He disclosed that 10-20 percent of its total expansion capital would go to the Philippine head office: "We plan to enlarge our office space by about 5,000 sqm. in the next 12 months, and then add another 5,000 sqm. the year after, as we need a bigger space to match our aggressive recruitment efforts. We are looking to increase our headcount by 1,500 (in the next 12 months) to beef up our existing pool of professionals and design experts. In the next three to four years, we target to have created an additional 5,000 jobs."
Zubiri said the prospects are bright in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) space both here and overseas. The real estate industry is booming in the Middle East, Australia, Russia, Spain and other parts of Europe. Globalization is also opening the doors for firms in the AEC space to grab opportunities beyond their geographies.
"We are primed to take advantage of the opportunities that abound and to create more opportunities that will boost our competitiveness," he said.
EG prides itself in being one of the trailblazing players for the built environment in the Philippines. From a small consulting firm in 1996, it has grown into one of the largest Filipino AEC multinationals today.
The company has four subsidiaries providing design process delivery, design & consulting, project management, and integrated building solutions to clients in Asia, Australia, North America, Middle East, and Europe.
"Offering 360 of services is the new way of doing business in the AEC sector, and it is proving to be an effective business model for Environments Global. With our unique company structure, in-depth expertise, and diversified specializations, we are able to deliver best in class services and solutions to our Clients," explained Zubiri.
