(From left) Huang, Ahmad Razlan, Saarani, Hamidon and Li.

KUALA LUMPUR: EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) has launched its RM30mil hi-tech car seat manufacturing facility in Tanjung Malim, which is set to play a critical role in the rollout of upcoming Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (Proton) vehicles.

In a statement, EPMB said the new facility is 2.5 kilometres away from Proton’s factory in Tanjung Malim. The plant has has an initial capacity to manufacture 150,000 sets of car seats every year.

The development of EPMB's first car seat manufacturing plant provides a compelling case study of collaboration and technology transfer within the Proton ecosystem.

It involved a technical partnership between EPMB and Chinese vehicle parts manufacturer Zhejiang Jujin Automobile & Motor-cycle Accessories Co., Ltd., which currently supplies car seats to Geely.

The launch of the plant was witnessed by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Proton chief executive officer Dr. Li Chunrong. Also present were EPMB executive chairman Hamidon Abdullah, its group CEO Ahmad Razlan Mohamed and Jujin Automotive Parts Group Co Ltd general manager Yuanjie Huang.

"We view the opening of this plant as a major step forward in EPMB's partnership with Proton, which spans nearly four decades. This is the first time the group has ventured into seat assembly manufacturing, and we are honoured that Proton has given us this opportunity. We are fully committed to Proton's success as it pursues its regional growth targets and new energy vehicle (NEV) roadmap.

“As for the group, this venture will enable us to diversify our core manufacturing business from the production of metal and plastic products, unlocking a new business stream with substantial growth potential,” Ahmad Razlan Mohamed said.

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