Newbillion Precision Metal’s Journey on Becoming a One-Stop Engineering Solution Provider

Established in Penang in 1991, Newbillion Precision Metal has transformed from a humble company casting telephone weights into an engineering solution provider by continually investing in technology, innovation, and skills.

For over a decade, Newbillion manufactured zinc die casting components such as enclosures and gadgets to supply to MNCs like Sony, Walkman and Discman. When mechanical components required CNC Precision Machining to meet precision requirements, Newbillion invested in building further capabilities in precision technology and skills to retain an edge in the market.

Driven by a customer-centric approach, Newbillion expanded to offer sub-assembly and surface finishing as value-added services for customers requiring component assembly. The company’s ‘Flexible Manufacturing System’ is able to produce both high (i.e. mass production) and low volume (niche) components.

Today, Newbillion is a One-Stop Engineering Solution Provider specialising in zinc and aluminium casting, machining, turning and engineering plastic to stay relevant to their customers’ needs. The company’s enhanced capabilities enabled expansion into the automotive and medical devices sectors, as well as carving out a presence in international markets across Europe and North America.

Industry Focus and In-House Capabilities

It is imperative for manufacturers, especially component manufacturers to keep abreast with the latest trends and developments across industries to fulfil the dynamic customers’ requirements. With ever-changing industrial trends, products tend to become obsolete in a shorter period.

In ensuring its continued survival and growth, Newbillion has set up an engineering, R&D and market analysis team to study industry trends and product requirements. This dedicated team is also tasked to innovate in house zinc casting, aluminium casting and CNC Precision Machining processes to meet new and sophisticated product requirements.

Newbillion is currently focused on manufacturing components in high-end industries namely medical devices, electric vehicles, electrical and electronics, and communications. As early as 2014, Newbillion was among the pioneers to develop high-end surface finishing processes to manufacture components of the stethoscope, orthopaedic and surgical devices for leading healthcare companies.

Newbillion is able to meet high-end medical requirements through continuous improvement (“kaizen”) and robust R&D. The company is currently applying for ISO13485, which is the quality management system for medical devices.

In 2018, Newbillion entered the automotive industry to cater for the mass production of electric vehicle components. This segment is poised to grow at least 30% per annum over the next ten years. Notably, the company achieved the IATF16949:2016 certification, which is the international standard for Automotive Quality Management System, that bears testament to its credentials and strength in the automotive industry.

Smart Manufacturing as the Way Forward

The ongoing US-China trade tension is pushing more supply chains to move out from China to Southeast Asia. With the Government through MIDA working aggressively to attract these supply chains to Malaysia, Newbillion is positioning itself to leverage on the geographical advantage of the Batu Kawan supply chain ecosystem, which is readily available within a 10-15 km radius, allowing faster lead time for customers.

Newbillion’s 3.5-acre factory in Batu Kawan is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2022. The new factory will be using solar panels for sustainable energy in its production. This aligns with the company’s environmentally friendly position in addition to significant cost savings in running its operations.

The new factory will also implement smart manufacturing practices through real-time data connectivity and reporting as well as the use of ERP systems in ensuring integration of data for timely and informed decision making, which is particularly crucial in the current challenging business environment. Newbillion foresees the new factory further enhancing the company’s competitiveness as a one-stop engineering solution provider.

“Newbillion constantly strives to be a supplier of choice, quality and on-time delivery. Our goal is to grow through cost competitiveness, on-time delivery attaining customer and supplier satisfaction, long term commitment to customers and quality through continuous improvement,” remarks Mr Kenny Tan, CEO and Managing Director of Newbillion.

“Newbillion believes in the ‘Together We Move Forward’ principle at all levels of its business interaction; with customers, suppliers, employees, the manufacturing and business community as well as the Government, as a nation in facing a dynamic and challenging economic environment post-COVID,” he adds.

On aspirations and future outlook, Mr. Kenny Tan aims to join the ranks of successful companies which have transformed from a humble set-up to become a large homegrown organisation. “Although markets and new business opportunities are key contributing factors, a company must also be able and willing to invest in technology and skills, leading to innovation and transformation. Like the chicken and egg, one cannot happen without the other,” he said.

MIDA, as Malaysia’s principal investment promotion agency also emphasises on domestic investments by engaging and facilitating the growth and development of local champions such as Newbillion. The establishment of the Domestic Investment Coordination Platform (DICP) is to assist inventors, creators and local technopreneurs including SMEs through strategic collaborations with financial institutions, equity firms and technology providers to help them bridge or narrow their financial and technology gaps.

For more information, please contact MIDA’s Domestic Investment and Supply Chain Coordination Division.