MCE starts building plant for car components in Serendah

By CARSIFU | 19 April 2024


KUALA LUMPUR: MCE Holdings Bhd (MCE), through its wholly owned subsidiary Multi-Code Electronics Industries (M) Bhd, recently celebrated the construction commencement ceremony for the MCE Auto Hub, the company’s new manufacturing facility in Serendah.

Upon completion, the hub will serve as MCE's primary production facility, bolstering its capacity to meet the growing demand for sophisticated electronic components and systems in both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs).

Spanning an eight-acre (359,370 square feet) site, the first phase of the MCE Auto Hub represents an initial investment of RM50 million.

Construction of the first phase new plant is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with operations slated to begin in 2025.

This strategic investment underscores MCE's commitment to addressing the evolving needs of next-generation automobiles, particularly in advanced automotive electronics such as cockpit infotainment systems, digital displays, and various components for both ICE vehicles and EVs.

MCE has projected a total investment of RM150 to RM200 million over the next 10 years in the new manufacturing facility.

Multi-Code Electronics is a leading OEM provider specializing in the full spectrum of design, manufacture and supply of automotive electronics and mechatronics parts for the Malaysian and regional markets.

It currently has two operational facilities in Johor and Port Klang, Selangor, employing over 500 full-time employees.

The ceremony held at the UMW High Value Manufacturing Park, was officiated by the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

Also, in attendance were Ng Sze Han, Selangor State EXCO of Investment, Trade and Mobility, Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii); as well as representatives from local agencies, MCE’s partners, and other distinguished guests.

Tengku Zafrul Aziz highlighted, “We applaud this major decision by Multi-Code Electronics to deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance our automotive ecosystem, which is a testament to the government and MITI’s strategic policy push towards fostering growth and innovation in Malaysia’s automotive sector. The development of the MCE Auto Hub will further contribute to the growth of this sector, which currently contributes around RM40 billion to Malaysia’s GDP, while providing 700,000 jobs. More importantly, as envisaged by key policies such as NIMP2030 and the National Automotive Policy, the MCE Auto Hub will also propel the nation towards regional leadership in automotive electronics manufacturing, while making Malaysia more attractive for auto investors.”

Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), expressed, “This breakthrough not only signifies a significant milestone for our industry, but also serves as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and innovation. MIDA deeply values the high-value investment from MCE, as it will bolster the EV ecosystem in the country. Furthermore, the localisation of automotive electronic component production holds immense promise for job creation and enhance competitiveness for automotive OEM both locally and globally. MIDA remains committed to cultivating a supportive environment that promotes the expansion and richness of Malaysia's industrial landscape. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this visionary initiative a reality - a vital step towards a sustainable and inventive future."

Goh Kar Chun, Group Managing Director of MCE, said, throughout our journey, MITI, MIDA, MARii, and all local authorities have provided exceptional support and invaluable guidance. Their commitment to nurture and promotes local automotive manufacturing sector has been pivotal to our success.”

“The investment signifies our aim to lead in supplying automotive electronics and mechatronics parts in the region, capitalising on Malaysia’s advantage and its highly established electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, enhancing our capacity in supplying sophisticated products that are designed, produced, and made in Malaysia!” Goh added.

He also thanked customers and business partners for their unwavering support, stating, “The strategic location of the UMW High Value Manufacturing Park offers significant logistical and cost benefits, allowing us to be closer to some of our customers, partners, and suppliers. This proximity facilitates better collaboration and helps us further develop our ongoing partnership to foster a robust local ecosystem in automotive electronics, contributing to the overall economic contribution of the industry.”

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