Batangas:JT International Asia Manufacturing Corporation (JTI-AMC) has made a substantial investment exceeding PHP 2 billion to enhance its facility in LIMA Estate, Batangas. This upgrade includes establishing Southeast Asia's first Dry Ice Expanded Tobacco (DIET) plant and expanding the Controlled Atmosphere (CA) treatment facility.

According to Philippines News Agency, JTI has allocated PHP 1.9 billion for the implementation of the new tobacco-processing technology. Additionally, the company invested over PHP 177 million in expanding the CA treatment facility, which became operational in July 2026, effectively doubling its treatment capacity.

These investments underscore JTI's confidence in the Philippines, highlighting the country's economic potential and its significance to the company's operations, according to JTI-AMC Factory Lead, Philippines Amir Vajdi. He emphasized the company's commitment to investing in the Batangas facility's capabilities and in the people and technologies that will support its long-term development.

The Batangas site is JTI's first manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia to incorporate DIET technology. JTI also has DIET facilities in other Asian countries, including Bangladesh and Japan. DIET is a sophisticated tobacco-processing technique that enhances the preparation and utilization of raw tobacco materials, promoting greater consistency and efficiency in manufacturing.

Amir Vajdi noted that the Batangas facility has developed the manufacturing capabilities and technical expertise required to support advanced technologies like DIET. He stated that this strong foundation made Batangas a natural choice for JTI's first DIET plant in Southeast Asia, allowing continued progress in manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines.

Vajdi further pointed out that the Philippines offers a competitive environment for long-term investment, supported by strong local talent, a strategic location, and a favorable ecosystem for manufacturing growth.