MANILA – Japanese electronic parts-maker Ibiden Philippines said it planned to include design on top of manufacturing operations in the Philippines.

Ibiden is planning to hire up to 200 more people in its Sto. Tomas, Batangas plant, which supplies mostly to the US, said the president and CEO of its Philippine operations, Ken Koba.

"In the near future, the Philippine factory also would have some kind of a design function. In that case we can manufacture more advance products with technology," Koba said in an interview with ANC's The Boss.

"When productivity enhances, we don’t need more workers, but because of the introduction of new products we need more skills," he said.

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Setting up shop in the Philippines is one of Ibiden's "best decisions," Koba said.

"Even though we have lots of challenges, every day there are cheerful workers," he said.