Graphic design firm launches Manila operation

MANILA, Philippines - Affinity Express Philippines Inc., a provider of outsourced graphic and design services, on Monday formally launched its operations in Manila. Affinity Express was among the acquisitions made by LiveIt, the holding company for the business process outsourcing sector of Ayala Corp. “A presence in Manila has long been part of our strategic plan. It made sense to accelerate efforts when Affinity Express was acquired in January 2007 by LiveIt Solutions," Kenneth Swanson, Affinity Express chief executive officer, said. The company, which has offices in the US and India, is looking to offer career opportunities for local graduates to expand design skills, use cutting-edge technology, learn project and operational management, and gain experience working with clients and team members around the world. Affinity Express, which expects a 40-percent growth for this year, delivers integrated graphic solutions that combined outputs of staff and technology in a multi-shore business model. Services include creative design for print and online advertisements, websites and branded marketing collateral. The company also offers production execution functions such as document creation, image editing, vector artwork and embroidery digitizing. Swanson added that owing to the economic slowdown in US, companies are looking for more ways to cut costs. “On the average, companies reduce cost by 40 percent by outsourcing," he said. By the end of the year, the company is intending to increase its employees to 300 from its current 250. For next year, Affinity Express is looking to nearly double its employees to 500. Included among Affinity Express' were sun Times News Group (Chicago Sun Times, Pioneer Press, Fox Valley), McClatchy Company (The State, Macon Telegraph, Columbus Ledger, Raleigh News and Observer) and Columbus Dispatch. LiveIt has initially allotted a total of $200 million for its acquisitions and investments in the BPO sector. Of the amount, $50 million was used to acquire listed eTelecare Global Solutions Inc.: $40 million for Affinity Express; and $30 million for Integreon Managed Solutions Inc.GMANews.TV