Sheet metal fabrication firm opens new RM150mil plant in Batu Kawan

A general view of the new UWC plant located in Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang.

SHEET metal fabrication manufacturer UWC Group of Companies has opened its new plant in Batu Kawan Industrial Park in Bandar Cassia, Penang, with a RM150mil investment.

The 5ha (12.5-acre) plant boasts a built-up area of 32,516sq m (350,000sq ft).

It is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and assembly lines for the production of diffusion pumps, semiconductor test equipment and heavy-duty handler products.

The company’s managing director Datuk Ng Chai Eng said that since starting the business 28 years ago, the company had transformed from a trading company to a high-value manufacturer.

The company now has a yearly revenue of about RM200mil and a head count of over 1,000 in its workforce.

“Today, UWC has started working towards ‘Industry 4.0’ to increase productivity and consistency in quality.

“We want to create a skilful workforce, focusing on the life science and semiconductor industries.

(From right) Ng and Lau inspecting one of their production lines at the new UWC plant located in Batu Kawan, Penang.

“Having dominated the country’s market, we are now working globally to access international opportunities,” said Ng in his speech at the plant’s opening ceremony recently.

He also announced UWC’s contribution of RM331,000 in scholarships to Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) and three primary schools.

Ng handed over a RM300,000 mock cheque to PSDC chief executive officer Muhamed Ali Hajah Mydin.

He also gave a RM11,000 donation to SJK (C) Beng Teik and RM10,000 each to SJK (C) Chung Hwa and Persatuan Alumni Sekolah Hua Lian Taiping Zon Utara Malaysia.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was present at the opening ceremony, said Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) announced in its annual performance report last year that Penang was among the top recipients of manufacturing investments valued at RM10.8bil.

Ng (left) exchanging documents with Muhamed Ali during the launch of the plant.

“Penang showed robust investment performance with total investments growing by 151% year on year.

“Domestic investments from large local companies such as UWC Holdings along with local small and medium companies grew by 92% year on year to reach RM2.3bil last year.

“Penang also topped other states with approved foreign direct investments last year valued at RM8.5bil, a growth of 209% year on year,” he said.

Also present at the plant’s opening ceremony were UWC Group executive director Lau Chee Kheong and MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Azman Mahmud.

Lau and Azman were taken on a tour of the new factory along with about 500 people comprising suppliers and business partners.

UWC is one of the biggest sheet metal fabrication manufacturers in the northern region.

It provides a one-stop solution for high-technology multinational corporations around the globe.

Beginning with Unique Wire Cut Sdn Bhd selling wire cut machines, UWC grew both in size and capability to diversify into life sciences, semiconductors, telecommunications and heavy-duty handler industries.