UCT OPENS NEW RM250 MLN MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN PENANG

BATU KAWAN, April 23 (Bernama) -- Ultra Clean Holdings Inc (UCT), a developer and supplier of critical subsystems, components, and ultra-high purity cleaning and analytical services, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Penang, marking a major expansion in the semiconductor sector. 

UCT chief executive officer Jim Scholhamer said the state-of-the-art facility, with an investment of RM250 million, will ensure business continuity, enabling the company to better serve and bring value to the local and global customer base as well as capitalise on longer-term growth opportunities.

“Back in 2019, we realised that UCT will have to strategically expand its global operations within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to fully support customer demand, knowing that the semiconductor industry is set to grow significantly and reach new heights in the coming years.

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“We have looked at several countries and ultimately decided that Malaysia is the ideal location, where Penang is the epicentre of the establishing and growing semiconductor ecosystem here in the APAC region, together with strong local supply chain partners and available skilled workforce, and most importantly strong government support,” he said in his speech during UCT inauguration ceremony here today. 

Scholhamer said UCT anticipated that upon completion of all phases, the facility would generate an additional revenue potential of US$600 to US$800 million (RM3.78 billion), significantly enhancing the local economy.

Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the ceremony, was optimistic that UCT would able to reap many benefits from its operations in Penang which is known as the Silicon Valley of the East.

He said that the state demonstrated its capacity by being the nation’s top exporting state, with an export value of RM463 billion recorded in 2022.

“In 2023, despite the slowdown in the semiconductor industry, Penang remained at the top of the list,  recording an export value of RM435 billion, representing 31 per cent of the country's total.

“As we appreciate these milestones, Penang remains dedicated to continuous improvements. To solidify Penang’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing, the state government placed a special emphasis on attracting companies with strong commitments to developing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable investing," he added.

Also present at the event were Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Penang director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed and InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian.

Headquartered in Hayward, California, UCT currently employs 600 workers locally. 

-- BERNAMA