Beneath the streets of one of Southeast Asia’s largest urban areas, teams are working on a project that will transform urban mobility for millions of people. As the Philippines’ first underground railway system takes shape, contractors face demanding schedules, restricted workspaces and strict safety requirements. Helping them overcome these challenges is Wilan Merchandising, Haulotte Singapore’s authorized distributor in the Philippines, which works closely with Yek Yiu Merchandizing, Inc., a specialist contractor involved in the Metro Manila Subway. Together, Wilan, Yek Yiu and Haulotte are helping advance one of the country’s most important infrastructure developments using compact electric scissor lifts tailored to the demands of underground construction.
Supporting the Philippines’ first subway
The Metro Manila Subway, also called the Philippines Subway Project to reflect its impact on the whole country, is a transformative infrastructure investment designed to reshape mobility across the capital city’s metropolitan area. As the country's first underground mass transit system, the project is expected to help alleviate chronic traffic congestion, improve connectivity between key districts, and support the long-term economic development of one of Southeast Asia's largest urban areas.
For companies involved in its construction, the stakes are high. Every contractor and supplier plays a role in delivering a project that will ultimately serve millions of commuters. Among them is Yek Yiu Merchandizing, which specializes in installation and commissioning of critical systems.
According to Christian Gonzales, Operations Manager for Construction at Yek Yiu Merchandizing, “As of now, we have approximately 60 workers on site, and we anticipate that this number will double at the peak of construction.”
For companies involved in its construction, the stakes are high. Every contractor and supplier plays a role in delivering a project that will ultimately serve millions of commuters. Among them is Yek Yiu Merchandizing, which specializes in installation and commissioning of critical systems.
According to Christian Gonzales, Operations Manager for Construction at Yek Yiu Merchandizing, “As of now, we have approximately 60 workers on site, and we anticipate that this number will double at the peak of construction.”
As Haulotte's authorized distributor in the Philippines, Wilan Merchandising supplies aerial work platforms to construction, warehousing and industrial customers, while providing training and after-sales support.
The relationship between Yek Yiu and Wilan Merchandising began when Yek Yiu approached Wilan in search for a compact access solution capable of supporting work at 8m height in a challenging underground environment. Specifically, the solution had to enable Yek Yiu’s teams to install and commission fire detection systems, building management systems, CCTV networks, access control systems and other critical infrastructure throughout the future stations.
The relationship between Yek Yiu and Wilan Merchandising began when Yek Yiu approached Wilan in search for a compact access solution capable of supporting work at 8m height in a challenging underground environment. Specifically, the solution had to enable Yek Yiu’s teams to install and commission fire detection systems, building management systems, CCTV networks, access control systems and other critical infrastructure throughout the future stations.
Christian Gonzales explains: “We are currently using 4 units of Haulotte Optimum 8AE, and we will need more in the future. We are now working full gas on one station and just starting on another, with two more stations right after that. And all of those will peak at the same time!”
With schedules tightly monitored and project milestones critical to the overall delivery of the subway, contractors are under constant pressure to maximize productivity. As Christian Gonzales points out, explains: “The schedule is very tight. This is a government project, and meeting deadlines is very important.”
Additionally, the underground environment presents unique constraints. As Christian Gonzales adds, “The main challenge is how limited the space where we can work in is, all areas must be maximized.” These space limitations made compact and highly maneuverable equipment essential for the project.
Additionally, the underground environment presents unique constraints. As Christian Gonzales adds, “The main challenge is how limited the space where we can work in is, all areas must be maximized.” These space limitations made compact and highly maneuverable equipment essential for the project.
Replacing scaffolding with productivity
To support installation works inside the subway stations, Yek Yiu selected the Haulotte Optimum 8AE electric scissor lift. “Originally, we were used to using scaffolding systems, which takes a lot more time to erect, certify, dismantle, etc.," recalls Christian Gonzales. “The Haulotte Optimum 8AE is very compact and easy to maneuver; we can quickly and easily go into tight spaces.”
By replacing conventional scaffolding with compact electric scissor lifts, the team can access elevated work areas more quickly, reduce setup time and keep pace with the demanding construction schedule.
Additionally, Michael "Mico" Valle, Product Manager at Wilan Merchandising highlights that Haulotte Optimum 8AE electric scissor lift. "Haulotte’s equipment is very durable " and adds that “all spare parts are easily obtainable when needed.” Together, these advantages have enabled the customer to improve efficiency while maintaining the flexibility required in a constrained underground environment.
Training built around real jobsite conditions
Successful machine deployment depends on equipment performance but also on operator competence and safety. Because of project restrictions, all training had to be conducted directly on site. This required close cooperation between Wilan, the customer, and the project's safety teams.
“There were no difficulties for us to adapt and to train their operators,” says Mico Valle. We closely cooperated with Yek Yiu’s safety officers.“The training program focused on “actual usage scenarios and preventive maintenance in such environments.”, rather than classroom-only instruction.
Christian Gonzales emphasizes the value of training operators in their real working environment: “For this particular project, we had to have the machines delivered on site, and for the certification to happen on site as well. For that reason, we had to consider all safety protocols beforehand, for the equipment entry as well as for the trainees. There was no excuse for unfamiliarity with the equipment: we trained directly at the actual site, using actual equipment.”
This approach ensured operators could immediately apply what they learned while meeting all project-specific safety requirements.
Responsive service when it matters most
On such a large infrastructure project, equipment downtime can quickly impact productivity and schedules. That's why the collaboration between Yek Yiu and Wilan became one of the most valuable aspects of the project.
Mico Valle stresses the importance of responsiveness: “If there is a breakdown on the machine, Wilan must respond and rectify the problem as soon as possible, in order not to delay the project. Reactivity is very important.”
Mico Valle stresses the importance of responsiveness: “If there is a breakdown on the machine, Wilan must respond and rectify the problem as soon as possible, in order not to delay the project. Reactivity is very important.”
The customer experienced this commitment firsthand when one machine was damaged. “One unit had to be repaired, as it was hit by debris” recalls Christian Gonzales.
“Wilan did a great job: they got into action the moment we called. They immediately changed the faulty parts and even gave advice on prevention in future cases.”
Looking ahead
As construction progresses across additional subway stations, Yek Yiu expects its access equipment requirements to continue growing. The positive experience with Wilan Merchandising and Haulotte has already influenced future plans.
When asked whether the company would consider similar solutions on upcoming projects, Christian Gonzales' answer was clear: “We are very satisfied with Wilan and Haulotte. For similar scopes of work, we will definitely consider partnering together again.”
When asked whether the company would consider similar solutions on upcoming projects, Christian Gonzales' answer was clear: “We are very satisfied with Wilan and Haulotte. For similar scopes of work, we will definitely consider partnering together again.”
He further noted that Haulotte machines could also be used for future railway and above-ground construction projects where larger equipment may be suitable.
From machine selection and on-site training to responsive after-sales support, the collaboration between Yek Yiu Merchandizing, Wilan Merchandising and Haulotte demonstrates how strong local partnerships can help customers meet the challenges of complex infrastructure projects. As the Metro Manila Subway continues to progress, the partnership is helping keep one of the Philippines' most important transportation projects moving forward safely and efficiently.
