US medical technology firm to set up new facility in Penang

DEXCOM, a leading American company in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, will be setting up a new manufacturing facility at the Batu Kawan Industrial Park in Penang, with construction expected to begin in the second half of this year.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who announced the new venture, said Dexcom’s new facility, which will be focusing on manufacturing of sensors and applicators for the CGM system, will be located on a 11.33ha plot.

“The new facility will create significant job additions over the next 10 years, including roles in manufacturing, facilities management as well as manufacturing-related research and development.

“Dexcom’s facility marks the state’s meaningful participation in the CGM field and the plant here will be its first manufacturing facility outside United States,” said Chow at a press conference in Komtar on Wednesday.

Chow said CGM provides a more accurate way to monitor blood glucose levels, thereby allowing diabetic patients to better regulate their blood glucose.

“This in turn decreases the risk of diabetes-related damage to their bodies and ultimately improves their health and cuts down healthcare costs.

“With half a century of industrial experience, Penang has built a strong industrial ecosystem, which complements the needs of med-tech players,” he noted.

Chow added that over 50 medical device companies were present in Penang and the state’s medical cluster is among those with highest concentration in Southeast Asia.

“Dexcom CGM systems require expertise and support in electronics engineering and manufacturing and related ancillary services, which are already well-established in Penang.

“It is evident that despite the current Covid-19 pandemic, Dexcom’s investment in Penang looked beyond the current macro uncertainties.

“As such, the state government through investPenang and Penang Development Corporation will continue to focus on landing projects that have far-reaching effects on the local economy in terms of supply chain localisation opportunities,” he said.

Chow said this entails creating high quality jobs, uplifting the skill-set of the local technical workforce, as well as having significant economic spill-over and multiplier effects.