KUALA LUMPUR: Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd has launched a new RM300mil automotive painting facility at its manufacturing plant in Kulim, Kedah, expanding its total paint shop capacity to 100,000 vehicle bodies a year.
The new Paint Shop 3 (PS3) is one of parent company Sime Darby Bhd
’s largest manufacturing investments to date. It was launched by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Inokom said the facility is designed to support up to 50,000 painted vehicle bodies annually based on a two-shift operation, at a production rate of 15 units per hour.
The facility, which also has plastic parts painting capabilities, can accommodate multiple vehicle models, providing Inokom with greater flexibility to scale production and support future vehicle programmes.
Inokom director Tan Sri Ben Yeoh, in a statement, said the investment reflected the company's continued focus on strengthening local capabilities and supporting the growth of Malaysia's automotive industry.
“Inokom has evolved alongside Malaysia's National Automotive Policy. From our beginnings as part of the nation's automotive development ambitions, we have grown into a trusted manufacturing partner for global automotive brands.
“PS3 reflects our continued commitment to investing in local capabilities, technology transfer and the future growth of Malaysia's automotive industry,” he said in the statement.
Most of PS3's operations are automated, including its pre-treatment and electrodeposition line, spray booths and conveyor system.
The facility is equipped with 32 painting and sealant robots, while its Cartridge Bell System allows colour changes in under 10 seconds and can support up to 27 colour variants.
Managing director of Sime Motors' Assembly and Strategic Businesses Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said the facility would expand Inokom's painting capacity and production flexibility.
“Designed with advanced automation, future waterborne paint readiness and sustainability features, PS3 positions Inokom to support future vehicle programmes while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility,” he said.
Inokom said the development of PS3 also involved collaboration with Mazda's technical support team and engineering specialists, providing knowledge transfer, training and technical guidance to its employees.
On sustainability, PS3 uses a regenerative thermal oxidiser system connected to four ovens, which Inokom said reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 60% through the decomposition of volatile organic compounds and reuse of recovered heat.
It also incorporates a dry scrubber filtration system that eliminates water usage in spray booth operations and is designed to support a future transition to waterborne paint.
PS3 is built and operated by a 100% Malaysian workforce.
Inokom, a subsidiary of Sime Darby under its Motors division, assembles passenger cars, multi-utility vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles and commercial vehicles at its 200-acre manufacturing facility in Kulim.
