Japanese BPO expands to Philippines

Early last year a leading Japanese BPO firm, Transcosmos, invested $120 million for its expansion in the Philippines through its newly-acquired local partner, Logicall Inc.

Transcosmos is one of the biggest call centers in Japan, while Logicall is a middle-sized firm with only one small office before the merger and only around 300 seats in its Makati office.

Now, Transcosmos Logicall is looking to expand across the Philippines, eyeing cities like Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod apart from Metro Manila. In addition to their Makati office, Transcosmos Logicall is soon opening a new site in Fort Bonifacio Global City and is already accepting applications.

While Logicall might seem small compared to other established BPO companies in the Philippines, it is one of the most advanced technology-wise. Transcosmos' VP Kenji Obata said before the merger that Transcosmos' and Logicall's equipment were of a similar level, which is one of the factors why he chose Logicall as the Philippine partner. Furthermore, he believes that the two companies were identical in other ways apart from the technology. The two companies have "an identical sense of values and mentality" said Obata.

Transcosmos Logicall is looking to expand its its number to at least 3,000 by 2011.

source: GMAnews