DOST 7 SET-UP Product Catalogue - DOST 7! - Department of ...

BON-ACE Fashion Tools, Inc.
Arts-Cum-Engineering
“We place our heart in every item that we produce.”
This is what makes the difference in the products of BON-ACE, according to Reimer Jen “RJ” Bonghanoy, Manager
and eldest son of the owner. This difference is evident from the design concept to the execution and final look of each
product.
BON is a short cut for Bonghanoy and ACE means
Arts-Cum-Engineering. A Mechanical Engineer,
Ramir Bonghanoy, established BON-ACE in 1993
as a machine shop and a manufacturer of buttons.
With only eight workers, two lathe machines, and two
vertical mills, the machine shop served primarily the
maintenance requirements and engineering works of
the different industries in Cebu.
Five to eight button makers met the needs of the local
exporters. Eventually, an Italian buyer who was the first
foreign buyer became a partner. He was responsible for
marketing the manufactured buttons in Italy and in other
parts of Europe. Slowly, the Asian buyers emerged.
Business was good until the Asian crisis in 1997.
Recovering from the crisis, BON-ACE ventured into
bigger markets. From a rented small office, it acquired a
new home, a 7,000 sq. meter area in Tungkil, Minglanilla,
Cebu, to house more than 300 workers. By this time, it
has penetrated the US Market. Seventy percent of its
exports go to Europe, five to ten percent to the US and
the rest, to Asia.
Realizing the potential of the export market, BON-ACE
went into home furniture and decors as well as fashion
accessories using shell and wood as basic materials
together with industrial materials such as stainless
steel and resin. Mixed materials are used to enhance
the products. In 2007, BON-ACE launched its patented
utility model, revolutionizing the inlay of shells and other
materials. This invention called, “ The Radica”, introduced
a new kind of texture to surfaces which can be applied
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DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY VII
Product Catalogue 2011
in home accessories manufacturing and even for
architectural design applications. It earned an overwhelming
positive response in the world market.
Believing in the creativity and skills of the Filipino
Artisans, the owner focused on the development of
good and innovative designs which were proven to have
a distinct competitive advantage. An added value is the
quality of the raw materials. Shells in the Philippines have
better luster than those found in China and Vietnam. And,
the grain of the Philippine Mahogany has its own unique
characteristics compared to those grown from other
Asian countries.
Penetrating the export market did not come easy for the
company. Aside from the regular contacts in the marketing
of their products, participation in international fairs
and exhibitions every year provided the much-needed
local and foreign exposure. With these strategies, sales
increased.
Behind the gains of BON-ACE is a partnership with a
government agency that has been a pillar in assisting the
Cebu Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters,
(Cebu-FAME). Engr. Bonghanoy is the President of this
organization then, and in due time, BON-ACE availed of
DOST’s SET-UP. Providing the technology to the client
through the acquisition of equipment, the SET-UP project
enabled the company to purchase a kiln dryer which is
extremely necessary in this kind of business.
Prior to this development, BON-ACE had to outsource
its kiln drying needs at P10 per board foot. With the kiln
dryer, the cost was cut in half. Kiln drying requirements
of other companies are also accepted, becoming an
additional source of revenue. Delivery time can now be
met since there is no more waiting time spent when this
process was contracted outside. In addition, there is no
need for extra inventory since the company owns the
dryer. No doubt, this SET-UP assisted equipment is a
great blessing to the company.
Appreciative of such a support from government and
realizing that this partnership is lasting, BON-ACE
applied for a second availment of SET-UP, this time, for
a laser cutter. The machine will enhance the capability
of BON-ACE in cutting and engraving irregular, intricate
and complex designs of parts and components needed
in the manufacturing of high-end home and fashion
accessory products for the world market.
“Good is Not Good, Where Better is Expected.” RJ’s
advice to those who want to go into this business is
never to sacrifice quality and name just because of
money. He adds that the journey from making small
pieces to big pieces is not easy but there is always a
way. “Don’t give up easily. Ask for Divine Intervention
so you will not be lost in the journey.”
BON-ACE has definitely gone a long way from being
a button maker. It is quite a feat to combine arts and
engineering. The Engineer has proven that a marriage
between the two indeed produces amazing results.
BON-ACE Fashion Tools, Inc.
Tungkil Minglanilla, Cebu, Philippines 6046
Engr. Ramir V. Bonghanoy
Proprietor
Tel No: (63)(032) 273 7887-88
Telefax: (63)(032) 273 7889
Email: info@bon-ace.com