By Veronica Uy
The establishment of a new factory by Austrian sports equipment manufacturer HEAD in Davao marks a significant milestone in the European country’s growing investments in the Philippines, Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Johann Brieger said at the Austrian National Day celebration earlier this week.
“In just two years, the company is projected to produce an impressive 14 million dozen tennis balls a year. So that’s their biggest expansion,” Ambassador Brieger said.
With the new facility, the world’s largest manufacturer of tennis balls is expected to generate numerous job opportunities for local residents as it prioritizes sourcing raw materials from nearby provinces.
“What makes this partnership even more special is that the raw materials will be sourced locally from provinces such as Cotabato, Zamboanga, and Davao de Oro, providing significant opportunities for local producers and suppliers across Mindanao, generating much-needed sustainable jobs,” the ambassador said.
The ambassador said the expansion reflects Austria’s commitment to the Philippines, underscoring the strong partnership between the two nations and the strategic opportunities for growth in Mindanao’s local economy.
“We will continue our work with our partners in the EU and the Philippines on this process in highlighting Mindanao’s potential and its vital role in the Philippines’ future,” he said.
Ambassador Brieger also related his recent visit to the cities of Iligan and Marawi, where he launched Austria’s Peace Building and Performance Arts Workshop, in partnership with Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology.
“I continue to be amazed by the incredible richness and diversity that the Philippines has to offer…I found myself in awe of its breathtaking landscapes, lively culture, warmth, and hospitality of the people,” he said.
“The region’s unique traditions, culinary delights, and artistic expressions truly reflect the spirit of the Filipino people, and I was privileged to witness firsthand how art and culture can play a transformative role in the peace building process,” he added.
