INV new material's RM3.2bil Penang plant boosts Malaysia's EV hub ambitions
KUALA LUMPUR: China's INV New Material Technology (M) Sdn Bhd has launched its RM3.2 billion manufacturing facility in Penang, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia's push to become Southeast Asia's leading electric vehicle (EV) hub.
The plant, which produces lithium-ion battery separators, is the first commercial facility of its kind in the country, firmly positioning Malaysia as the region's largest producer of this critical EV component.
The newly launched facility will produce 1.3 billion square metres of wet-processed and coated lithium-ion separators.
The project has generated over 2,000 job opportunities, including over 500 high-skilled technical roles with wages exceeding RM3,000 per month.
It serves as a launchpad for technology and knowledge transfer, equipping Malaysian talent with practical exposure to advanced equipment, structured training programmes and collaboration with global experts.
This holistic approach significantly upskills the workforce in advanced materials and engineering plastics, cultivating a future-ready talent pipeline vital for the nation's long-term growth in the EV and high-tech sectors.
The plant also sets a benchmark in Industry 4.0 adoption as it integrates advanced automation, smart manufacturing systems, and digital technologies to maximise operational efficiency, enhance precision and promote sustainable practices.
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the launch of the facility marks a transformative step in the country's electric vehicle journey.
He said the investment, anchored in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030, bridges a critical gap in the local EV ecosystem and embeds advanced materials into the supply chain.
"It sets a new standard for high-tech manufacturing while strategically catalysing broader industrial growth and attracting more global and local players to strengthen Malaysia's position in the global EV value chain," he added.
INV New Material Technology chief executive officer Liu Rui said that beyond investment, the plant is a long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation and talent development.
"Malaysia offers the strategic advantages, talent pool, and government support we need to make this vision a reality, and we are proud to call it home to our first facility in the Asean region," he said.
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