After many years of working in one of the top machine shops in Oriental Mindoro, Felix Hatulan decided to go into the metals and engineering business himself.
A natural, Felix, started as an apprentice at the age of 25 and later has become one of the most sought after and trusted machinist in Oriental Mindoro. He worked hard until he became a master machinist to support his growing family and their needs. After five (5) years of working for other people, he decided to be his own boss and setup a small shop in Brgy. Lalud, Calapan City. With a limited operating capital and 3 machines— lathe, welding, and drill press machine, Felix was determined to make his dream come true. In a small facility made of bamboo materials, the business became fully operational with him as the sole worker to do welding, engine overhauling, and lathe machine services.
He named his shop Hatulan Engineering Works and Machine Shop.
Later, an epiphany started the ball rolling when car sales boomed in the province. His shop reached a point of being overwhelmed with growing demand for repair and maintenance services. He became one of the go-to service providers in the province. To keep up with the growing demands, he hired 7 more workers to assist him.
While the demand for his services continues to increase, the shop also continued to consume huge amounts of energy. This prompted him to seek assistance from DOST-MIMAROPA. His firm underwent Energy Audit that enhanced his awareness on the proper way to reduce energy input of the shop without negatively affecting its services. He also became a beneficiary of the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) where he and his workers were trained on good manufacturing practices.
In 2014, Hatulan’s shop has evolved from a manual shop into a quick and high precision, high technology environment. Through the SETUP of DOST, Hatulan was able to upgrade the engine reconditioning services of the shop with the acquisition of the Automated Diesel Fuel Injection Pump Test Bench. With the equipment, identification of engine defects prior the reconditioning services, which is usually done manually, is now automatic saving the firm a lot of time and resources.
Come 2018, Hatulan realized his current crankshaft grinding machine limits the extent of the services the firm could provide as well as the potential income it could earn. He again availed of SETUP assistance, this time, to acquire a 12-ft crankshaft grinding machine to accommodate all customers that requires crankshaft grinding services without delay.
Today, Hatulan Engineering Works and Machine Shop has a thriving business with 30 workers and is known as one of the most competitive enterprises in the province that offers high quality and efficient engine reconditioning services in the province.
Instead of outsourcing engine reconditioning and calibration of heavy equipment in other places such as Batangas and Manila, clients now have access to the same, or even much better services, inside their own province.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob ng DOST sa Hatulan Engineering Works and Machine Shop, dahil sa tulong na ito ay abot kamay ko na ang mga makinarya na dati akala ko ay hanggang panaginip lang. Sana ay mas marami pang negosyanteng katulad ko na salat sa puhunan ang patuloy na matulungan ng DOST”. Said Felix Hatulan.
Following the success of his shop is the success of all his children who are now professionals. According to Felix, he owes it to DOST that all his children were able to pursue the careers they had an aptitude and interest in. One of them is now a registered Mechanical Engineer managing the main branch in Tawiran, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro and his only daughter graduated as a nurse but decided to handle the operations in the Roxas branch.
