In December 2024, Antrak Philippines, a prominent project logistics and freight forwarding company, officially embarked on a new chapter following a significant management buyout and a subsequent strategic rebranding.
In February 2024, the company's current local principals successfully acquired full ownership, purchasing all shares previously held by foreign stakeholders, notably Antrak Logistics (Australia), a subsidiary of the French conglomerate Bolloré Logistics. This marked a significant step towards local control and operational autonomy.
Philippine Resources Journal had the opportunity to interview FLS Group Philippines, Inc.’s Vice President, Mr. Fernando Martin Juan de Achaval.
FLS Group Philippines, Inc.’s Vice President, Mr. Fernando Martin Juan de Achaval
PRJ: Could you share with us the back story behind Antrak Philippines Transport Solutions Corporation’s transition to its new brand name FLS Group Philippines, Inc.? What is the reason behind this rebranding?
FA: The ownership structure of Antrak Philippines historically included a partial holding by Antrak Logistics (Australia), a wholly owned company of Bolloré Logistics (France).
A management buyout was completed in February 2024 by the current local principals. This transaction involved the acquisition of all shares held by the foreign owners. Following the buyout, the right to use the "Antrak" name was time-limited, as it remained the intellectual property of the former foreign shareholders.
A significant step in our strategic evolution occurred in December 2024, when the FLS Group invested in a minority stake in the company. This investment coincided with a comprehensive corporate rebranding to the FLS Group, aligning with our new partner and securing a long-term brand identity.
PRJ: With this transition, are there any major changes in terms of operations, mission, goals, and services to your valued customers?
FA: This transition established a strong partnership with the FLS Group, aligning our organizations on shared values and strategic goals within the Philippine market. The FLS Group's expertise in project-focused logistics immediately created valuable synergies, particularly concerning client relationships.
Furthermore, the addition of the FLS Group's robust chartering desk significantly enhanced our capabilities. By combining our onshore capabilities with the FLS Group's offshore expertise (chartering, etc.), we have become a more comprehensive and well-rounded provider of Logistics and Project Services.
PRJ: What were some of the challenges that your organization encountered during this rebranding? How did FLS Group Philippines, Inc. overcome them to ensure the success of your ongoing operations?
FA: A key hurdle following the rebranding was overcoming the established recognition of Antrak and effectively communicating the identity and capabilities of FLS Group.
To address this challenge, we deployed a comprehensive communication strategy that included formal announcements to all existing clients, a targeted social media campaign, and the inclusion of explanatory notes in our corporate email signatures for an extended period. This deliberate effort has proven successful, as evidenced by the increasing familiarity and recognition of the FLS Group brand in the industry.
PRJ: FLS Group Philippines, Inc. recently collaborated with AC Logistics to revolutionize supply chain ecosystems. Could you describe the vision and objectives behind this partnership? Are there specific obstructions or problems in the existing supply chain ecosystems that you were aiming to address?
FA: The strategic partnership between FLS Group Philippines, Inc. and AC Logistics is forged with a clear vision: to establish the leading, integrated provider of specialized Project Logistics solutions in the Philippines, thereby revolutionizing the supply chain ecosystem for high-growth sectors.
This alliance is built on achieving a powerful, complementary synergy:
- For AC Logistics, the primary objective was to immediately integrate robust, global-standard Project Logistics capabilities into their comprehensive end-to-end service portfolio. This critical component was previously lacking.
- For FLS Group, the objective was to leverage AC Logistics’ deep local market penetration and gain direct access to significant project pipelines, particularly within the Ayala Group ecosystem, most notably with ACEN (AC Energy). This major client opportunity could not be accessed independently.
The partnership directly addresses a critical obstruction in the existing supply chain: the lack of sufficient, specialized capacity for handling complex, heavy-lift, and breakbulk cargo required by the rapidly expanding renewable energy and infrastructure sectors in the Philippines. By combining global project expertise with local logistics muscle, we overcome the limitations of standard supply chain models.
This vision is already yielding success. We are currently collaborating on our inaugural joint assignment as consultants for ACEN. This initial engagement opens a significant door to future opportunities, including the potential to execute the full scope of offshore-to-onshore logistics for ACEN’s upcoming wind farm and solar power projects. Given this access and potential pipeline, we are highly optimistic about the long-term, transformative success of this joint venture with AC Logistics.
PRJ: What are the biggest challenges in the Philippine logistics sector today, and how will FLS Group Philippines, Inc. contribute to overcoming them?
FA: The biggest obstacles to project execution in Philippine logistics are the critical gaps in infrastructure and the complexity of the regulatory landscape.
The market is constrained by a notable lack of specialized port and storage facilities required for major projects, such as the numerous wind energy developments. Furthermore, severe road limitations often necessitate unconventional transport methods.
FLS Group’s core value is delivering adaptive, unique solutions to circumvent these physical barriers. Just as crucial, we provide expert navigation through complex National and Local Government regulatory issues, which pose a significant risk of project delays. Every integrated solution we develop is specifically designed to maximize successful delivery while adhering to the client’s cost and compliance mandate.
PRJ: In conclusion, what message would you like to impart to our readers in the mining sector and also for those in the construction industry?
FA: We don't just move cargo; we manage complexity.
FLS Group's value proposition extends far beyond standard logistics services, including trucking and freight forwarding. We engage as proactive partners whose expertise helps de-risk your entire project lifecycle.
Our core mission is to integrate logistics planning into the DNA of your project. We conduct detailed transport studies during the design phase to advise on transportability, specify the required road designs, and ensure that critical capital equipment can reach its final destination without delay. Beyond physical movement, we serve as expert consultants on regulatory compliance, helping you navigate import requirements and maximize opportunities for government tax incentives.
Our role is to be a continuous presence, from the earliest planning stage straight through to implementation. Consider us the Logistics equivalent of an EPC firm, delivering full-scope strategic execution.
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For more information, please visit FLS Group Philippines, Inc.'s website at https://fls-group.com/.
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Photo credit: FLS Group Philippines, Inc.
