Primelectric, South Korean firm deepen ties to modernize PH power

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By Francis Allan L. Angelo

In a move to secure critical infrastructure support for its nationwide expansion, Primelectric Holdings, Inc. executives visited South Korea’s manufacturing hub last week to solidify ties with its key equipment partner, Taeyoung Electric Co., Ltd.

The high-level delegation, led by President and CEO Roel Castro, toured Taeyoung’s production facilities and engineering offices. Taeyoung, established in 1969, is a major player in Korea’s industrial electrical sector and a longtime contractor for projects involving power plants, semiconductor factories, and large-scale infrastructure.

“Seeing the precision and scale of operation firsthand is invaluable,” said Castro. “This isn’t just a supplier visit; it’s an alignment of vision for reliability and technological excellence that our growing customer base in the Philippines requires.”

The visit underscores Primelectric’s broader strategy of securing resilient supply chains and aligning with high-caliber international partners as it accelerates development across its electric distribution subsidiaries – including MORE Power in Iloilo, Negros Power, and Bohol Light.

Electrical equipment such as transformers and switchgear currently deployed by these utilities already carry the Taeyoung brand, signaling a working partnership that has moved beyond procurement and into strategic collaboration.

Taeyoung’s manufacturing expertise was on full display as Primelectric’s technical team observed the full production process—from raw material checks to final quality testing.

“Taeyoung’s expertise is not just in manufacturing, but in engineering for durability and efficiency,” said Engr. Christopher Serojano, Network Distribution and Operations Group manager of MORE Power. “For utilities facing growing demand and challenging environments, this partnership is a direct investment in grid resilience.”

Anticipating the growing demand for electrical hardware in Southeast Asia, Taeyoung is building a new manufacturing facility in Ansan, South Korea. Scheduled to open in April 2026, the plant is expected to significantly increase output capacity.

This investment is seen as a concrete commitment to serving long-term partners such as Primelectric. It also ensures continuity and scalability as the Philippine company ramps up utility operations nationwide.

Despite being categorized as a tier-2 specialist in Korea’s competitive manufacturing landscape, Taeyoung maintains premier credentials. It has longstanding relationships with leading Korean conglomerates such as Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), POSCO, and Samsung C&T.

“As a leader in the revitalization of Philippine electric distribution utilities, Primelectric’s direct engagement with a high-caliber technical partner is a strategic maneuver,” Castro added. “It secures not only equipment, but also a transfer of engineering knowledge and a collaborative approach to solving the complex challenges of modernizing and expanding power distribution networks.”

By reinforcing these international ties, Castro said Primelectric positions itself not only to meet today’s power challenges—but to build a smarter, more resilient grid for tomorrow.