Penang surging forward
11 Aug 2021
Lam Research Corporation is ready to start operations at its new RM1bil facility in Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang, which will serve as a hub for its manufacturing operations in Asia.
The facility, which is the US company’s latest and largest manufacturing facility, has an 800,000sq ft built-up area on a 34-acre site.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the virtual opening ceremony, said the opening of the facility was a testament to the state’s ongoing efforts in supporting all investors.
“The repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic have thrown many plans into disarray.
“Yet, despite this, the state agencies worked closely with each other and with a coordinated partnership with the Federal Government, the state ensured minimum disruptions to the business community.
“We are confident that Penang’s versatile talent pool, supportive infrastructure and strong local industry clusters will enable industry players to effectively manage their supply chain.
“The presence of Lam Research as the first global leader in the manufacturing of wafer fabrication equipment in Malaysia will bring opportunities for the locals to learn new technical skills.
“Industry players will also benefit from the supply chain localisation opportunities.
“This will help Penang to further integrate into the global semiconductor value chain,” he said.
Chow added that Penang had garnered RM25.6bil in approved manufacturing foreign direct investment (FDI) from 2019 to 2020, out of which 81% was derived from the electrical and electronics, machinery equipment and medical devices industries.
“Penang contributed 51% of Malaysia’s total manufacturing FDI in these three areas from 2019 to 2020.
“Separately, 42% of Penang’s approved manufacturing FDI from 2019 to 2020 was from companies from the United States and Lam Research is certainly one of the strategic projects that Penang is proud of.
“Lam Research’s significant investment reinforces Penang’s position as a preferred location for advanced manufacturing and upholds our reputation as the Silicon Valley of the East.”
Chow said on the trade front, Penang continued to play a substantial role in driving the country’s exports.
“Penang recorded exports of RM310bil in 2020, representing 32% of Malaysia’s total exports.
“About 60% of our exports were electrical and electronic products.
“Our performance continued to gain momentum with exports increasing by 23% year-on-year to RM138bil between January and May this year,” he said.
Chow said the state had come a long way in the semiconductor industry.
“We have the ecosystem, local supply chain and talent pool here to support foreign investors.
“Penang Skills Development Centre is looking into retaining talents and will continue granting scholarships and holding skills programmes.”
Lam Research Corporation president and chief executive officer Tim Archer said the opening of the new facility was a critical step for the company.
“Our aim is to meet growing demand for our cutting-edge technology, expand our global footprint and position our company for continued growth.”
Lam Research Corporation is a global supplier of wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.
Also present were Malaysian Investment Development Authority deputy chief executive officer Ahmad Khairuddin Abdul Rahim, Lam Research corporate vice-president of manufacturing Mike Snell, Lam Manufacturing Malaysia general manager Soon Kuek, US Ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters and Seberang Prai City Council mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
Source: The Star
