HTMI (erstwhile Hi-Top Merchandising Inc.) is a leading supplier of quality metals in the Philippines. The company celebrates its 53rd founding anniversary this September even as it underscores time-honored values as the formula for success.

Over the past decades indeed, the company excelled under the guidance of its founder's seven core values namely: Gratitude, Optimism, Hard work, Integrity, Teamwork, Open-mindedness, and a Passion for excellence, and falling under the mnemonic GO HI-TOP.

“These values represent our moral compass which points us to success itself. We have held on to these values steadfastly, demonstrating over three generations that it is possible to be successful by always choosing and doing what is right,” said Dennis Tan, General Manager of HTMI.

“These pervade everything: the way we conduct trade and business, the way we treat all people, how we contribute to the community and how we help in nation-building,” Tan added.

"But malasakit begins at home. Our employees have stayed with us for decades, rising through the ranks as we ensure that as we grow, no one is left behind," Tan said.

Malasakit is a uniquely Filipino term encompassing compassion, consideration, care and concern for the community.

The company implements strict quality control and checkpoints even before metals are placed in the warehouse, making HTMI one of the most reputable suppliers of a broad range of high-quality metals that go into various Philippine industries and sectors.

"At HTMI, hindi puede ang ‘puede na yan,’ said Tan, calling out a certain negative attitude that shortchanges people.

"We always strive to do the right thing, may malasakit to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience and the high quality of life of Filipinos indeed, never nanlalamang," he added.

In 1969, HTMI opened its first office in Binondo, Manila, and set up its first retail store in 1977, when it transferred from Rosario to Masangkay Street.

From humble beginnings as a sole proprietorship that imported brass tubes and stainless-steel shafting to supply to the marine industry, HTMI eventually diversified its offerings to include metals of all shapes and sizes, such as aluminum, copper, and bronze.

"Despite its long history, HTMI proved itself to be nimble amid the fast-changing times, able to quickly adapt and provide for our customers' evolving needs," Tan said.

In 2002, the company introduced a band saw cutting service, in keeping with the emerging trend on just-in-time and just-enough material cutting. The company also ushered in the use of waterjet cutting for plates in 2010, in response to the market’s growing need for profile cutting and precise cutting of thick materials.

Today, HTMI specializes in fabricating perforated metal sheets, expanded metal screens, and embossed checkered plates. It also offers value-added services, such as waterjet cutting, to suit its customers’ needs for structural strength, industrial design, and beauty and elegance.

HTMI's metals are key ingredients in the country's industrialization, going into critical sectors such as public utilities and infrastructure, manufacturing, property and construction, mining, maritime, agriculture, telecommunications and information communications technology, and mechanical and electrical engineering in general.

They also play a vital role in health services, hotel and tourism and education.

The business has been handed over three generations, and it now lies in the hands of Gen X and Millennial members of the HTMI family to be a beacon of hope and a role model of excellent service that inspires a progressive future for Filipinos.

The company is embarking on a new communications campaign where it says: “It’s Our Time to Shine.”

"Like the metals we work with, humankind’s best virtues and qualities make us shine naturally,” said Tan.

Metals indeed at their best quality, give off a natural shine.

“As we shine, we hope to light the path of others, setting a good example perhaps, the kind that strengthens resolve and assurance in others that it is possible to be successful in life, as in business, by doing the right thing all the time,” he added.

The campaign envisions the HTMI family to be the source of inspiration for the larger community, not just in trade and business but in the day-to-day dealings between Filipinos, spreading good karma – what goes around comes around.

“We attribute our own success to our commitment to act with integrity and honesty, and to be accountable to our stakeholders. We believe that if we act in a way that is kind, respectful, and responsive, it can spur others to act the same way,” Tan said.

By 2020, the company had moved to its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Biak na Bato, Quezon City, which allowed HTMI to be highly responsive to the market’s needs for essential products and services during the pandemic.

A mural stands atop the building, rising above the new Northern Metro Manila Skyway, hoping to serve as a beacon of hope to Filipinos, inspiring them as they traverse the city to outlying regions, going about life’s missions.

"We all emerged stronger from the pandemic. We forge ahead. Like our metals, we don't break easily," Tan said.