Manila Times reported that Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Co of Manila has started the delivery of steel modules for the modernization project of a petroleum giant's oil refinery in the United States.

In a statement, AG&P, which specializes in steel fabrication, said that the shipped modules, weighing around 400 tonnes and reaching several storeys in height each, will make up the major components of the USD 3.8 billion Whiting Refinery Modernization Project of British Petroleum's more than a century old refinery in Indiana.

Mr Angelito Bermudo president & CEO of AG&P said that "We built the steel modules of the refinery that, when shipped to the US, are just plugged together like Lego blocks. Our modules are so precisely fabricated that they are ready to go right after assembly, saving time and money for our clients."

AG&P has built modules for oil rigs and platforms, refineries and petrochemical complexes for international firms such as Chevron Texaco, Unocal, Bechtel, Fluor Daniel, Kellog and Foster Wheeler, the latter having designed the BP modernization project.

Mr Bermudo said that "We are now trying to make AG&P known in the Philippines, firstly, to let the public know that a Filipino company is doing very well outside and secondly, that we are ready to compete for major local projects."

In December 2010, AGP Philippine Holdings Inc, a consortium of Filipino investors, bought 98.19% of AG&P from DMCI Holdings Inc of the Consunji family.

(Sourced from www.manilatimes.net)