BATU KAWAN: German life science company Eppendorf SE has strengthened its Asia Pacific presence by establishing its first Southeast Asia manufacturing facility in Penang to bring production closer to regional customers.
Chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Christine Munz said Asia Pacific has become one of the company's fastest-growing markets, making it increasingly important to establish regional manufacturing operations to support sustained growth and meet customer demand.
"It is so important to be within the region, to manufacture within the region, for the region, to ensure that growth is sustainable and directed to our customers," she said in her speech at the facility's groundbreaking ceremony here today.
Munz said the Penang facility will also support Eppendorf’s efforts to maintain its competitiveness, expand its product portfolio and sustain its business growth globally.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, InvestPenang CEO Datuk Seri Loo Lee Lian and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Penang director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sadar Mohamed attended the event.
The €40 million (RM181.28 million) investment at Bandar Cassia Technology Park marks Eppendorf's first manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia. It will produce selected products from its centrifuges and instruments portfolio for laboratories and scientific workplaces worldwide.
The 4.85ha (48,500 sq m) site will have a planned built-up area of about 172,222 sq ft (16,000 sq m), comprising production, warehousing, offices, quality-related functions and logistics facilities. Production is expected to begin in 2028, with full operational maturity targeted by 2030.
Eppendorf expects to create about 130 jobs by end-2029. It has been in Malaysia since 1995 via its Kuala Lumpur office. It expanded from commercial and administrative operations into manufacturing in Penang. — Bernama