Toyota Motor Philippines Corp (TMP) formally recognized the pioneering milestones of En Tsumugi ELV Dismantling Corp (En Tsumugi) during the latter’s 2nd-anniversary gathering in Taguig City. As the country’s first Japan-standard, Toyota-endorsed end-of-life vehicle (ELV) dismantling operation, the facility has positioned itself at the forefront of local automotive circularity and responsible lifecycle management over its initial 24 months.
During the operational briefing, En Tsumugi confirmed that its flagship facility in Mexico, Pampanga, has systematically dismantled 516 vehicle units since opening its doors. En Tsumugi chief financial officer and marketing director John Niño Gabinete Hung highlighted the broad diversity of units processed—ranging from decommissioned taxi fleets sourced from Davao to fire-damaged electric vehicles (EVs) that required specialized hazardous-materials stabilization on-site before being cleared for secure transit to Pampanga.
As a global benchmark in automotive manufacturing, Toyota provides continuous technical development and systems guidance to En Tsumugi. Cementing this alliance, senior technical personnel from En Tsumugi flew to Japan earlier in 2026 for intensive training on electrified vehicle (xEV) battery recycling, conducted under the joint supervision of Toyota Motor Corp (TMC) and Toyota Metal Co Ltd.
TMP president Masando Hashimoto emphasized: “Toyota’s responsibility is not only to make and sell vehicles, but also to take responsibility for them at the end of their useful lives. Today, the number of Toyota vehicles in operation in the Philippines has grown to 1.3 million, including around 60,000 Toyota and Lexus xEVs sold since 2009. As energy security becomes an urgent concern, the shift toward electrified mobility will accelerate, and we must strengthen our ability to manage batteries safely and recover valuable resources responsibly.”
Mapped directly within TMC’s prestigious Global 100 Dismantlers Project, En Tsumugi stands as the 4th model dismantling facility in the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.
‘Black mass’ extraction, digital traceability
Marking its second year, En Tsumugi unveiled a strategic investment focused on recovering high-value critical minerals from decommissioned lithium-ion battery packs originating from automobiles, appliances, and consumer electronics.
The facility introduces localized “black mass” processing technology, enabling the domestic extraction and safe transport of high-value battery materials—unlocking circular supply chains for vital elements including lithium, copper, nickel, manganese, and cobalt.
The mineral processing equipment is being integrated across a 3-phase installation plan, with full commissioning targeted for late 2026 ahead of commercial automotive recycling operations by early 2027. En Tsumugi is currently securing expanded environmental clearances and operational permits for the site.
To resolve legacy industry hurdles surrounding data transparency and compliance, En Tsumugi also rolled out a proprietary digital tracking software platform. The system logs disassembled components across entire recycling loops, providing real-time online chain-of-custody tracking of reclaimed materials through to their final destinations.
Hung shared his vision for the sector: “Imagine a different future—a future built on direct recovery and processing here in the Philippines. A future where responsible recovery begins here, where we build the capability to recover valuable resources, strengthen local expertise, and support a truly circular economy.”
Prepping for electrified mobility ecosystem
The anniversary gathering placed heavy emphasis on structural readiness for the country’s growing xEV fleet.
Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (Campi) noted that accelerating EV sales require an equally robust after-life support ecosystem. Both organizations stressed that long-term sustainability hinges on cross-sector coordination and the eventual codification of comprehensive vehicle recycling policies under the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.
The event brought together key diplomatic and corporate partners, including delegates from the Embassy of Japan, JICA, Japanese vehicle recycling specialist Tsuruoka Co Ltd, and leaders across the Japanese-Philippine business community.
Operating its public vehicle disposal services under the brand Garaheco, En Tsumugi continues to implement world-class Japanese standards in vehicle dismantling, hazardous waste mitigation, and circular resource recovery from its base in Mexico, Pampanga. To know more, follow Garaheco on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/GarahecoPhilippines/?_rdc=1&_rdr#.
Banner image shows Hung announcing the company’s venture into ‘black mass’ technology, a pioneering battery-recycling innovation that recovers valuable minerals from automotive batteries