RM180 mln ‘lights-out’ factory to be completed in 1H2024 - EG Industries

GEORGE TOWN, March 17 (Bernama) — EG Industries Bhd’s RM180 million smart “lights-out” factory 4.0 in Batu Kawan is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024 (1H2024).

In a joint statement today, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and EG Industries said the facility, which commenced construction in January 2023, will initiate technology transfer in Southeast Asia.

“The factory will be producing a new 5G advanced high-speed optical signal transmitter and receiver for 5G wireless network (optical modules), using photonics and semiconductor technologies through technology transfer from its US-based customer Cambridge Industries Group (CIG).

bootstrap slideshow

“This is expected to raise the skillset and competitiveness of the local workforce and is set to hire approximately 1,000 high-skilled talents upon completion,” the statement said.

The new plant will deploy the lights-out methodology, creating a fully networked environment that digitises material flow for autonomous manufacturing.

The factory will be managed by a remote team of highly-specialised experts responsible for data management, production planning and quality control.

Apart from Batu Kawan, the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider is extending its presence further to build smart warehouses and an international procurement centre featuring Kedah’s first vendor management inventory (VMI) system.

The expansion is to serve its own increasing requirements as well as that of the surrounding industrial cluster in Sungai Petani, Kedah and Batu Kawan, Penang. 

The RM40 million facilities are slated for completion in 2024, it said.

Meanwhile, MIDA deputy chief executive officer for investment development, Lim Bee Vian said EG Industries’ expansion plans align with the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) of attracting high-value investments to deliver sustainable and holistic economic growth.

“We welcome EG Industries’ expansion project leveraging on cutting-edge 5G technology, which is in line with the government’s mandate for MIDA to spearhead rapid digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. 

“This will pave the way for enhancement of productivity, job creation, and the deepening of Malaysian’s skill set,” she said.

— BERNAMA