Serendah facility aimed at doubling automotive supplier’s production capacity, boost R&D
A NEW RM50mil manufacturing hub in Serendah, Selangor, is set to boost Malaysia’s automotive electronics sector by expanding local design, engineering as well as research and development (R&D) capabilities.
Developed by MCE Holdings Bhd, the 3.23ha facility aims to double the group’s production capacity for automotive electronics and next-generation mobility solutions.
MCE Group managing director Dr Goh Kar Chun said the MCE Auto Hub is set to scale up, with investments expected to reach RM200mil over the next decade.
“From our first contract to supply remote alarms and central locking systems for Proton Saga in 1990, our journey has been guided by continuous improvement, innovation and capability building.
“Over the years, we have strengthened our R&D, design and manufacturing expertise while expanding into advanced automotive electronics and mechatronic solutions,” he said during the launch at UMW High Value Manufacturing Park.
The facility will serve as the group’s main manufacturing and engineering hub for the design, development and production of automotive electronics and mechatronic solutions.
It will manufacture products such as infotainment systems, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and smart cockpit solutions for both domestic and export markets.
Built as an Industry 4.0-ready facility, it includes clean room production areas and controlled manufacturing environments for automotive electronics used in both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles.
Goh said the investment in the new hub was in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s advanced manufacturing sector, and encourage more companies to move into higher-value activities within the automotive ecosystem.
“When the Government introduced the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and reaffirmed the National Automotive Policy 2020, we saw a clear alignment between those national aspirations and MCE’s direction.
“This includes moving up the value chain, investing in technological capability and strengthening Malaysia’s position in advanced manufacturing.”
Goh also acknowledged the support from Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii).
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who launched the hub, said Malaysia had built one of South-East Asia’s most established automotive ecosystems over the past six decades.
He said the presence of global car manufacturers from Japan, Europe, South Korea and China had contributed to the growth of the local automotive supply chain.
“Many locally assembled vehicles today incorporate substantial Malaysian-made content, supported by an increasingly sophisticated supplier base.
“MCE is a prime example of how a Malaysian company can foster innovation and compete internationally,” Johari said.
He added that Malaysian companies should continue building their capabilities in areas such as design, engineering and automotive technology to compete internationally.
Also present at the launch were MCE chairman Tan Sri Datuk Abdul Rahman Mamat, Miti deputy secretary-general (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri, MARii chairman Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid, MARii chief executive officer Azrul Reza Aziz, Mida deputy chief executive officer Zuaida Abdullah and Hulu Selangor Municipal Council president Julaihah Jamaludin.
