Markus Hennig: Revolutionizing The Construction Landscape

In the heart of the bustling construction industry in the Philippines, one name stands out—Markus Hennig, the Executive Vice President of Megawide Construction Corporation.

Markus Hennig is Steering Megawide’s Precast Revolution. | Photos: Megawide

This German visionary has become a driving force behind Megawide's ascent to leadership in precast and other construction technologies, revolutionizing the industry across the archipelago.

Megawide is the listed engineering and infrastructure company of Edgar Saavedra, founded in 1997. It went public in 2011 with the goal to raise funds for the development of its own precast facility, which opened a year later in Taytay, Rizal.  

Markus, who joined Megawide in 2012, has tirelessly championed the use of precast technology in the Philippines. "In the Philippines, we're not just building structures; we're constructing a new era of possibilities. Precast is not just a technology; it's a game-changer for the construction landscape," Markus passionately asserts.

He believes the potential for precast is immense, yet the local market continues to rely on outdated design and build methods.

Undeterred, Markus envisions a shift toward the European model, where precast technology dominates the majority of development projects.

Megawide's commitment to this vision is reflected in its state-of-the-art precast and construction solutions facility in Taytay, Rizal. It is the largest and most advanced precast plant in the Philippines, with a capacity to produce up to 168,000 cubic meters of precast units annually. 

This facility not only enables speed and scale but is transforming project timelines. Apartment buildings that once took months are now completed in a mere 6-8 days per floor, presenting clients with enormous project cost savings.

Markus stresses that precast is not just about efficiency; it leads to higher customer satisfaction, a hallmark of Megawide - and Saavedra’s - approach. "What sets Megawide apart? We're not just fast; we finish early. It's a commitment to efficiency and excellence that runs through the veins of every project we undertake," Markus emphasizes.

A Maverick in the Game and the Boardroom

Markus, known for his prowess on construction sites, uncovers an unexpected passion beyond the steel and concrete—Texas Hold 'em Poker.

To Markus, poker transcends mere chance; it's a strategic pursuit that refines skills pivotal in his professional life. The nuanced art of reading people, evaluating risks, and calculating probabilities mirrors the intricacies of his role at Megawide.

Markus's dedication goes beyond the green felt of the poker table. He devotes three weeks each month to Megawide in the Philippines, a sacrifice that keeps him away from his family in Germany but underscores his unwavering commitment to the company's success.

His days commence early and conclude late, immersing himself in developing the company's sales network, crafting bids, and adopting a business development role.

This multifaceted position involves not only shaping Megawide's future but also educating clients on integrating precast elements seamlessly into their design and build processes.

From Boring Concrete to Vibrant Learning

Markus is not content with reshaping the construction landscape alone; he envisions bringing life to concrete, as seen in Megawide's award-winning airport and landport projects.

These are the internationally acclaimed Mactan-Cebu International Airport; Clark International Airport; and the Philippines' first landport, Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange. 

Moreover, his commitment to education is evident in Megawide PCS’ collaboration with universities and schools such as Pangasinan State University and Antipolo Institute of Technology, and learning institutions such as the Department of Education Rizal and TESDA Rizal, for providing students with real-world placements and contributing to the development of alternative learning systems in the field of engineering.

"Concrete isn't the only thing we're breathing life into. Education is the cornerstone of progress. Our collaboration with Pangasinan State University is a small step in reshaping how we prepare the next generation of engineers for the challenges ahead," Markus expresses.

As Megawide gears up for future challenges, Markus expresses enthusiasm regarding the company's revitalized emphasis on residential and infrastructure endeavors.

Noteworthy initiatives include the recent acquisition of property developer PH1 World Developers; as a supplier of precast TT (“double-tee") slabs for the Candaba Bridge Rehabilitation of Leighton Asia; and the precast joint venture with Tokyu Construction and Tobishima Corporation for the Metro Manila Subway Project.

These initiatives underscore Megawide's steadfast commitment to shaping the future landscape of construction in the Philippines.

"The horizon for Megawide is vast. From horizontal housing to infrastructure marvels, we're venturing into uncharted territories. The future holds opportunities, and we're ready to seize them," Markus concludes.

In Markus Hennig, Megawide has found not just an Executive Vice President but a visionary leader navigating the complex dynamics of the construction industry, reshaping the landscape of the Philippines one precast project at a time.

WEEKLY FEATURE : Jose Mari Chan And The Christmas Anthem