Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual said Wagmi Solutions (WS), the parent company of NanoForge Technologies, expressed interest to establish a manufacturing facility in the Philippines to produce high-efficiency air filters made from coconut shells.
The proposed facility will specialize in the production of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, designed to remove a significant percentage of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and viruses.
NanoForge will manufacture and export these HEPA filters to its main customer Medify Air—a major air purifier brand in the US. The manufacturing process will utilize activated carbon sourced from coconut shells, directly benefiting Filipino coconut farmers.
“We welcome NanoForge’s investment, which aligns perfectly with our goals to strengthen the coconut industry and create more jobs for Filipinos. Through the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, we are committed to ensuring that this venture is successful and beneficial for all parties involved,” Pascual said.
The investment is expected to support the coconut industry and create numerous job opportunities in the manufacturing sector, according to Pascual.
NanoForge’s advanced air filters offer innovative solutions tailored for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
The DTI said the next steps include a meeting with PEZA officials to discuss the incentives under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.
These incentives, aimed at export-oriented manufacturers, offer a range of financial benefits including an income tax holiday, options for a reduced corporate income tax or enhanced deductions and tax and duty-free importation of capital equipment, raw materials, and spare parts.
PEZA will also provide VAT exemptions, a substantial domestic sales allowance, and exemption from local government taxes and fees.
IWS registered NanoForge Technologies in the Philippines in 2023 to produce HEPA filters for Medify Air, aiming to diversify manufacturing operations currently based in China and Mexico.