Marubeni’s history in the Philippines began in 1909 when Tomizo Inoue and Seijiro Tohno arrived in search of new markets. By 1911, Marubeni had established its Manila office, focusing on exporting abaca to Japan.
The Manila branch, which acted as both an importer and wholesaler, expanded its business in 1931 with the launch of the Daido Rolling Store, a peddling truck fleet of 23 trucks that traveled throughout the country. The company’s main products were knitted shirts and cotton fabrics, and its canned sardines were also popular. In 1933, the Daido Hardware Store was opened on Rizal Avenue, and the company also focused on selling products at roadside stores.
The company expanded into the energy sector in 1963 with a contract for the Tegen Power Plant Unit-1 with Meralco, followed by eight more thermal generator contracts over the next decade. In 1966, Marubeni was commissioned to build a sugar mill on Negros Island, completing ten mills by 1983. The Manila Liaison Office became a branch in 1967.
Between 1975 and 1979, Marubeni entered the automotive industry with Pilipinas Hino, Inc. and secured a contract for the Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant Units 5 & 6. The 1980s saw further expansion with equity participation and construction of the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corp. (PASAR), rehabilitation projects for oil-fired plants, and the establishment of the Marubeni Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
From 1990 to 1993, Marubeni developed the First Cavite Industrial Estate and delivered power plant blocks in Limay Bataan. In the mid-1990s, the company embarked on major IPP projects, increased commitment in industrial estate development through Lima Land Inc. and contributed to JG Summit Petrochemical Corp., the Philippines’ first petrochemical plant.
Marubeni Philippines Corporation was officially registered with the SEC in 1996. Between 1997 and 2007, Marubeni secured contracts for the San Roque hydro power project and LRT Line 2 Package 4 (Systems, Vehicles and Trackworks), invested in TeaM Energy Corp., and acquired majority of Maxima Machineries, Inc.
Celebrating its centennial presence in 2008, Marubeni continued to diversify from 2013 to 2023, acquiring a stake in Maynilad Water Services, Inc., building the LRT Line No. 2 East Extension, and venturing into healthcare, consumer finance, and real estate, while forming partnerships in electric power ancillary services.
Throughout its history in the Philippines, Marubeni has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to fostering growth and development in the country. Its legacy continues to evolve, building on more than a century of partnership and progress.
