The Story
About UGEC
United Graphic Expression Corporation (UGEC) was founded in August 1988 as a modest printing business in Malabon by the husband-and-wife team of Henry and Edna Cureg. With just a Solna 225 two-color press, the couple spent countless hours carefully registering full-color prints using two passes on a single machine, where a single misalignment on the first pass meant starting all over again. Their unwavering belief in the power of hard work and dedication laid the foundation for a growing enterprise that thrived despite its limited resources.
In its early years, UGEC produced labels, bag tags, and brochures, serving pioneer clients such as RFM Ice Cream during the launch of its Selecta brand, Swift Foods, Triumph, and Avon for their brochure requirements, as well as Momento, Cinderella, Regatta, and Bergamo.
Over the decades, UGEC has grown into a multi-capability enterprise, equipped to meet the market’s diverse demands for world-class printed packaging products and services.
At UGEC, we believe that fulfilling printing and packaging needs means going beyond today’s quality standards. It requires an unwavering commitment to research, innovation, and investment in cutting-edge technology. Our success lies in blending time-honored craftsmanship with fresh, forward-thinking ideas—creating solutions that are not only progressive but also precisely aligned with our customers’ goals.
We continue to embrace every opportunity to deliver printing and packaging solutions that inspire confidence, strengthen brands, and bring visions to life.
Our Journey
Since its incorporation in 1988, UGEC has grown from humble beginnings into one of the leading players in the printing and packaging industry. In 1997, to support its vision for growth, the company moved its operations to Dasmariñas, Cavite, building a modern facility designed to meet its strategic expansion goals.
Starting with Offset printing technology, UGEC took a bold step in 2003 by adopting Rotogravure printing, enabling it to enter the flexible laminate packaging market. In 2010, diversification continued with the addition of a full Web Offset printing and bindery line to serve the publishing needs of various brands, alongside new lamination capabilities to strengthen its flexible packaging operations.
In 2023, UGEC completed its portfolio by introducing Flexographic printing technology—part of a forward-looking strategy to accelerate growth and emerge stronger from the challenges of the pandemic.
From a single press to a multi-capability enterprise, UGEC’s journey is defined by vision, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
1988
1997
2003
2010
2019
2013
Beginnings in Offset Printing
UGECORP started its journey in Offset printing, laying the foundation for what would become a leading name in the Philippine print and packaging industry.
Expansion to Dasmariñas, Cavite
To accommodate growing operations, UGECORP transferred to a larger, modern facility in Dasmariñas, Cavite, boosting production capacity and efficiency.
Adoption of Gravure Printing & Lamination
UGECORP expanded its technology portfolio by introducing Gravure print technology and lamination capabilities, enabling high-quality, high-volume packaging solutions.
Publishing Print Capability
UGECORP broadened its services by adding publishing print capabilities, catering to brochures, catalogs, and books, strengthening its position as a full-service print solutions provider.
Security Printing Expansion
UGECORP expanded into Security Printing, incorporating advanced techniques and technologies to prevent counterfeiting, forgery, and tampering of documents and products.
Expansion with Flexographic Printing
UGECORP further enhanced its printing capabilities with the addition of Flexographic printing technology, allowing for greater versatility in packaging and label production.
1990s – Foundations of Excellence
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1996 – Outstanding Printer of 1996 (PIAP)
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Multiple Print Excellence Awards for Labels, Posters, Calendars, Brochures, and Social Forms
2000s – Expanding Capabilities
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Continued Print Excellence Awards (2000–2001) for Packaging Cartons, Stationery, and Business Forms
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Asian Gravure Association (2008–2009) – Gold & Silver Awards for Paper and Film Surface Print
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2008 – Superbrands Status awarded
2010s – Innovation & Global Recognition
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Bronze & Silver Awards (2010–2013) for Films & Paper Surface Print
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Dozens of Print Excellence Awards for Flexible Packaging, Labels & Stickers, Posters, Folding Cartons
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Asian Packaging Excellence Awards (2017–2019) – Multiple Gold and Silver Awards for Labels, Wide Web Gravure, and Metallized Films
2020s – Sustained Leadership
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Print Excellence Awards (2020–2024) – Folding Cartons, Flexible Packaging, Catalogues, Brochures, Labels & Stickers
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Asian Packaging Excellence Awards (2021) – Triple Gold Awards for Labels, Gravure Paper Surface Print, and Box Offset
With over 150+ awards across three decades, UGECORP remains a trusted leader in print and packaging, delivering innovation, precision, and unmatched quality.
