Himel, a global manufacturer and supplier of electrical products, and CUBO Modular Inc., an award-winning Filipino manufacturer of bamboo house kits, recently commenced their collaboration that aims to provide Filipinos safe access to electricity in sustainable and affordable homes.
Himel Global Head of Business Shrinivas Chebbi, during his visit to the Philippines, met with CUBO founders Earl Forlales and Zahra Zanjani at the latter’s office in Quezon City. They discussed how the two companies can empower more Filipinos with reliable and budget-friendly choices with their integrated offerings.
(L-R: Ma. Diana Delavin, Himel Channel Sales Engineer; Gerald Caalam, Himel SEA Business Development & Marketing Communications; Koon San Ang, Himel VP East Asia-Value Brand; Edmaylyn Gamutan, Himel Retail Sales Engineer; Rodel Melendres, Himel Country Sales Manager-Philippines; Zahra Zanjani, CUBO co-founder; Vibha Thusu, Himel Global Head of Marketing and Communications; Earl Forlales, CUBO co-founder; and Shrinivas Chebbi, Himel Global Head of Business)
Himel and CUBO are on the cusp of reimagining the modern homeowner—living in a modular and sustainable home outfitted with the latest, safe, and quality electrical components for total peace of mind. This privilege often comes at a steep price, but through this collaboration, the two companies will be reinforcing each other’s goal of providing affordable options without compromising on quality.
“Our tie-up with CUBO seeks to address evolving consumer needs in housing: Quick to build yet stable, modern yet sustainable,” Shrinivas said. “Filipinos would be proud to call these modular houses built with Himel components as their homes knowing fully well that the materials and parts used are safe and reliable.”
“This collaboration could not have come at a better time as we here at CUBO are looking to scale up what we see as a solution to the housing backlog in the country,” Forlales said. “Himel products are easy and intuitive to use, which in turn helps accelerate our project timelines. Their components are certified for international standards and quality checks, which are a big boost to our customers’ confidence.”
According to the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, the housing backlog is at about 6.5 million. If production continues to average 200,000 annually, the backlog could reach 12 million by 2030. CUBO explained how its modular home design can help solve the looming housing crisis in the Philippines without harming the environment: Increased labor productivity rate in a controlled factory setting, free of weather delays, and most importantly, using bamboo—a highly renewable material.
By adding Himel to the equation and its expertise in value engineering, mass production, and market knowledge from across the globe, the two companies are poised to reshape the housing industry in the country. Himel is also optimistic that giving CUBO access to its wide range of products and technology will help maximize homeowners’ investments, ensure safety for residents, and secure long-lasting homes. Such design will be especially important in the local housing sector as Filipinos brace for an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually as well as threats of earthquakes.