EMC has begun construction of its first southeast asian manufacturing plant in Penang

Elite Material Co. Ltd. (EMC), headquartered in Taiwan, has begun construction of its first Southeast Asian manufacturing plant in Penang Science Park North (PSPN). The plant will focus on producing copper-clad laminate (CCL) materials, essential components in complex printed circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated circuit (IC) substrates. This development underscores Penang’s growing significance as a hub for high-impact economic activities, especially in the technology sector.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow welcomed EMC’s investment, noting the company’s pivotal role in advancing technology. Since its founding in 1992, EMC has become a leading producer of prepreg and CCL, with a strong focus on halogen-free materials since 2013. These materials are crucial for various industries, including mobile communications, artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), cloud data centers, 5G infrastructure, electric vehicles, and autonomous driving.

Chow highlighted EMC’s technological leadership, backed by over 250 patents, as a significant addition to Penang’s industrial ecosystem. The new plant, spanning 14 acres, will be built in two phases with a total investment exceeding RM900 million. Phase One, slated for completion in Q1 2025, aims for a monthly production capacity of 600,000 sheets, while Phase Two will add 150,000 sheets per month. Mass production is expected to commence in Q2 2025, targeting both local and international markets.

The Chief Minister emphasized Penang’s robust industrial ecosystem, which has consistently attracted major players in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. In 2023, Penang recorded RM63.4 billion in approved manufacturing investments, marking a 463% year-on-year increase and contributing 42% to the national total. The E&E sector alone accounted for RM54.7 billion, or 86%, of these investments.

Chow expressed gratitude to EMC for selecting Penang, reinforcing the state’s status as a premier investment destination. He also acknowledged the efforts of InvestPenang and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) in facilitating this significant investment.

Albert Dong, EMC’s chairman and CEO, explained that while standard incentives were provided, they were not the primary motivator for choosing Penang over other more affordable destinations like Thailand. Dong highlighted the importance of being close to customers and operating in a region known for its diligent workforce and strong work ethic. He described the incentive as a “cherry on top” of an already compelling offering.

Chief Minister Chow concurred, stating that factors such as a strong ecosystem, a robust supply chain, a talented workforce, intellectual property protection, and industry clusters are the primary attractants for investors. He added that successful investment decisions often lead to a cascade of related investments from vendors.

Datuk Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang, expressed her appreciation for EMC’s decision to invest in Penang and assured ongoing support to ensure the company’s success in the region.