Magna Prime Chemical Technologies, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of construction chemicals and quality adhesives for the construction industry, has celebrated its 20th Anniversary in January 25, 2021.
The company has experienced a lot of changes during its 20-year history.
The Struggle to Find an Identity
Under the trade name Magna Asia Enterprises, the company traces back its humble beginning as a small retailer of tire, battery, and lubricant products.
In 2003, the company was incorporated to Magna Prime Distribution Corporation (MPDC) with the addition of more tire products in its portfolio.
In 2005, the company diversified into pharmaceuticals under the trade name Magna Gold Pharma Inc.
In 2008, Magna Prime started distributing products under its trade name, including Metal Guard, Maxweld, and Handy Fix.
In 2010, Sapal Elastic Sealant & Waterproofer “Ang Bagong Hari ng Tapal” was launched with Arwind Santos as the official endorser.
During the first ten years of Magna Prime, the company struggled to find its identity and purpose. Magna Group diversified its product portfolio and business model several times before finding the right path.
In his testimonial for the 20th Anniversary celebration, CEO Derrick Tan said, “Those years were truly a trial-and-error stage for us. We were struggling to find our identity as a company. We were accepting more products to distribute and ridiculous quotas from other companies. I was a prisoner of the business.”
Getting a Sense of Clarity
After years of investing in research and development, the company’s efforts finally came to fruition when they decided to manufacture construction chemicals and adhesives – instead of distributing other companies’ products.
“We have been distributing many products for years, so we decided to start developing and manufacturing them ourselves.
In 2011, the company started joining co
nstruction seminars and expos in the Philippines and abroad to get the necessary knowledge and training in developing innovative construction materials and methodologies.
Magna Prime started manufacturing and distributing more construction products under the Buildrite brand, such as Putty Master, Leak Plug, Level Up, Skimcoat, Stronger Than Nails, and Foam Seal.
In 2014, the company established a culture of putting God first, followed by loving our families, working with honor, and serving others. From pleasing people and meeting quotas, Magna Prime started to focus on providing excellence for the Glory of God.
"Our success comes down to focus. Magna Prime’s success started when we realized that we couldn’t please everyone. We just need to provide excellent products and services for the Glory of God. That’s when we finally found our identity; why we exist as a company. The real turning point of Magna Prime started when we met our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Rest Is History
The last five years of Magna Prime is considered to be its Golden Years.
With their change of trade name in 2015, the dawn of a new era has begun. Magna Prime gradually became one of the leading construction chemicals provider in the country.
“Our name change unifies our growing manufacturing services and product portfolio under one name and reminds us of our purpose as a company and who we are as a company.”
With a broader range of construction products and Sinclair Paint, the company was recognized by many awarding bodies and institutions.
In 2016, Mr. Derrick Tan was inaugurated as the director of The Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers, Inc. (PAPM), proving that other companies have already recognized Magna Prime’s excellence in the manufacturing industry.
In 2017, Magna Prime started to boost their customer-centric approach. The establishment of Buidlrite Technical Hubs has revolutionized how the company provides service to its customers.
“We realized that a lot of people have construction problems or questions th
at they want to be answered. So instead of limiting our services on construction expos, we decided to bring the solution straight to the people.”
2018 was a very significant year for Magna Prime. With the acquisition of a property in Camangyanan, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, the company has found a new home. The company joined several expos, trainings, seminars in the Philippines, Singapore, and China. Mr. Derrick Tan was also inaugurated as the Vice President of PAPM, putting a spotlight on the company’s growth.
In 2019, the company launched its Magtanong Para Sigurado campaign with TV personality, William Thio, as the brand ambassador. Buildrite SMARTBOND Lightweight Tile Adhesive also bagged the Second-Best Invention award under the Utility Model category of the National Inventors Week.
It’s also the year when Magna Prime transferred to its home in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. “For all the hard work, perseverance, and love of every single member who is and has been a part of the Magna Prime family… we are finally home.”
2020 was a challenging year for everyone because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating typhoons that shook the country. But, with their LAKBAYANIHAN culture (Lakbay Tayo. Bayani Ako. Bayanihan Tayo.) and faith in God, the Magna Prime family managed to get through it all.
Amidst all the problems of 2020, Magna Prime still found a silver lining in their situation. Their online Magtanong Para Sigurado campaign was launched in July, boosting their presence on social media sites like YouTube and Facebook. The business’ service-centric approach was further exemplified when they launched a customer service hotline for their customers who want to ask construction-related questions.
“The pandemic has leveled the playing field. It gave us time to catch up with the industry leaders.”
Magna Prime had to adapt to the new normal, so they ventured on e-commerce through Lazada and Shopee, offering a variety of construction products online.
Time for A Major Upgrade
As the company reflects on its 20-year journey, Magna Prime is proud to look back and appreciate how far they’ve gone – and what lies ahead.
Magna Prime’s 20th Anniversary celebration prepares the company for a massive upgrade on all the areas of its business, especially in production and marketing.
“I am optimistic for 2021. We have the right people. We have the right skills.”
During their time capsule ceremony, Mr. Derrick Tan proudly marked the ceremony by announcing his vision to all Magna Prime employees all over the country about the future of the company and the construction industry.
“We will seek advancements in construction chemicals and technology to bring about a future where the Philippines can achieve world-class standard construction materials and methodologies.”
