<strong>Product</strong> Name: Banami Shrimps DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY VII <strong>Product</strong> <strong>Catalogue</strong> 2011 24
Hermes Metal and Construction Services From Ship To Shore Hermogenes Comahig is an Electrical Engineer, Chief Electrician for 13 years aboard a shipping vessel. While on board, he believed that another skill would not only enhance his qualifications but will provide additional income and come in handy when he retires. Hermes learned welding while on board the ship, performed welding tasks and got paid for it, in addition to his regular job. Thus, begun his combined career as electrician cum welder. True enough, this additional skill as a welder became the backbone <strong>of</strong> his retirement plan. Upon retirement, Hermes went back to Bohol, his hometown. After undertaking business ventures in lending and transport-tricycle, he established Hermes Metal and Construction Services, a Metal Fabrication Shop in 1994. Started as a backyard shop, only one welder fabricated lawn chairs, plant racks, swing, see-saw, and other small metal products. Two years after, Hermes organized the Bohol Association <strong>of</strong> Metal Industry (BAMI) composed <strong>of</strong> 16 metal working industries as members. He was elected President for two terms. The move was designed to pr<strong>of</strong>essionalize the industry and standardize prizes <strong>of</strong> fabrication and welding jobs in Tagbilaran. Hermes also represented the group in its national counterpart, the Metalworking Industry Association <strong>of</strong> the Philippines (MIAP), where he was elected Vice-President for a one-year term. This involvement led him to the path <strong>of</strong> <strong>DOST</strong>. After learning that <strong>DOST</strong> provides assistance to SMEs, Hermes secured a form, filed and forgot about it. It took him almost a year to seriously work on the application. He was motivated by his need to upgrade the wrought iron bending and forming technology in his shop. With upgraded technology, Hermes expected that production time for the fabrication <strong>of</strong> wrought iron products will be reduced 25 DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY VII <strong>Product</strong> <strong>Catalogue</strong> 2011 by 50%, from an average <strong>of</strong> two weeks to one week fabrication time. Ultimately, gross sales would increase. Hermes Metal and Construction Services was assisted by <strong>SET</strong>-<strong>UP</strong>. Technology upgrade was made possible through the purchase <strong>of</strong> equipment from the assistance- the heavy-duty pipe bender and wrought iron forming equipment. Prior to this equipment acquisition, shapes were not perfect and bending jobs were contracted. Hermes noted that, “Customers go back because <strong>of</strong> the bender na klaro and its smooth finish.” Satisfied customers do not mind paying a higher price for quality workmanship. Aside from the shape, the working hours were reduced by half the original time. Another equipment, the heavyduty sander, provided the much-needed support to the existing portable sanders needed to complete orders on time, which had doubled. Due to such upgrading <strong>of</strong> equipment, the objectives <strong>of</strong> the <strong>SET</strong>-<strong>UP</strong> assistance were met. <strong>Product</strong>ion volume increased by 30%-40% and gross sales, by more than 15%. Starting with only four workers, two welders and two helpers, the shop has now four welders, six helpers, on-the-job trainees, a secretary, and a driver. Inasmuch as demand is fluctuating due to direct contract with architects for metal fabrication jobs, diversification and advertising are the strategies currently being employed. Hermes’ plan to diversify into fabricating other metal furniture has started to take shape. Orders have been made for tv cabinet, plant stand, and wrought iron gate. Quality is being maintained since quality is what truly matters to his customers. Iskaya, an exclusive highend resort and Bohol Tropics, another famous hotel in Bohol, are among the satisfied customers <strong>of</strong> Hermes’ Shop. The long list continues through referrals. He also gets customers through the internet and business is done through email. Hermes believes that people should not be judged by their looks and that every individual has God-given abilities which must be allowed to grow. That is why he allows his workers to do their work with minimum supervision but clear instructions. He added that if you look over their shoulders all the time, they will be committing more mistakes. Retirement has been a busy yet relaxing time for Hermes, being now in his beloved Bohol. His experience in the ship truly paid <strong>of</strong>f in the shore. Hermes Metal and Construction Services 4 Lamdagan St. Cogon District Tagbilaran City, Bohol Engr. Hermogenes Comahig Proprietor Tel No: (63)(38) 412 4057 Mobile: 0919 243 7928 Email: hermescomahig@yahoo.com