BJ Mercantile Inc. (BJM) recently marked a momentous milestone, celebrating 50 years of success and evolution through a grand event titled The Making of a Gold. The celebration highlighted the company’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1974 as an importer of used engines to its present status as a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning automotive, transport, logistics, property, petroleum, and power generation.
Founded by enterprising couple Jimmy and Belen Lim, who named the company after their initials, BJM was born during the economic challenges and political turbulence of the 1970s. Recognizing an opportunity, they started by importing used vehicles and trucks, quickly proving their instincts right. The business expanded to include new and used construction and industrial machinery.
In 1980, BJM ventured into real estate with the launch of BJ Land, focusing on leasing warehouses and commercial and residential spaces. This was followed by Meiling Development Corporation in 1995, which developed notable projects, including a 27-story residential tower in Manila and the Meiling Village in Quezon City.
During the 1998 financial crisis, BJM demonstrated resilience and adaptability by establishing an auction platform in Malinta. This innovation not only increased the value of its inventory but also supported the recovery of the construction and machinery sectors. The auctions became a major success, drawing enthusiastic bidders and cementing BJM’s reputation.
The 2000s brought further diversification. Microvan Inc., headquartered in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, continued the import and trade of used machinery, trucks, and trailers, leading to the creation of Microvan Leasing in 2011 to cater to crane rentals nationwide. In 2008, BJM entered the petroleum industry with Micro Dragon Petroleum Inc., followed by the establishment of Royal Dragon Ocean Transport, operating 10 LCT vessels for mining and construction.
The golden jubilee celebration was made even more special with the 10th anniversary of Scania in the Philippines. Since 2014, BJM has been Scania’s exclusive dealer, providing trucks and buses for heavy transport applications.
Further growth came with the 2018 establishment of San Simon Cold Storage in Pampanga, which now boasts a capacity of 3,400 pallets. In 2019, when Scania discontinued its genset line, BJM partnered with AJ Power to distribute diesel generators ranging from 10kVA to 4,376kVA for various applications.
Reflecting on the company’s legacy and future, Vice President Leilani Lim Tan stated, “It has been a remarkable journey over the past five decades, and we owe our success to our employees, partners, and customers. With their trust and support, we look forward to further growth and expanding into new, high-potential industries.”
WITH DAUGHTER LEILANI LIM-TAN
In line with its ambitious plans, BJM ventured deeper into the automotive sector. In 2023, it secured an exclusive partnership with Ashok Leyland for commercial vehicles and forged an agreement with Japanese truck and bus manufacturer Fuso. The company also announced its upcoming entry into the passenger car market through a partnership with Hongqi Philippines, with plans to begin marketing Hongqi vehicles in 2025.
With its eye on the future, BJ Mercantile Inc. is poised to drive innovation and growth as it continues its journey toward its centennial anniversary.
