KOTA BAHRU, KELANTAN, MARCH 7 2017: One of Japan’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, ROHM-WAKO Electronics Sdn Bhd (RWEM), has expanded its factory in Kelantan, less than two years after it began construction in line with its aspirations to become the global diode centre for the ROHM group. This follows the completion of its RM270 million production facility, serving as a solid testament to the East Coast Economic Region’s (ECER) attractiveness as a global investment and production hub in Southeast Asia.
The state-of-the-art centre will add another 38,250 sq ft of space to the existing factory, equipped with advanced technology and high efficiency manufacturing facilities. The bulk of its products which are manufactured in Malaysia are exported to the US and European countries. The expansion works began in July 2015.
To date, RWEM is the largest foreign investor in Kelantan. The Company has invested a total of RM924 million in the state since it began operations in 1990. It currently employs 1,700 people in its facility and with the completion of the expansion works, it will grow its workforce to 2,000, offering more skilled job opportunities for the local communities within the ECER.
“Despite the global economic challenges, we have continued to work closely with the relevant government agencies and private partners to facilitate and grow private investments in the ECER. The expanded presence of a key Japanese investor, ROHM-WAKO, clearly showcases the attractiveness of the ECER to other foreign and domestic investors,” said YBhg. Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC.
“We are confident that with this expansion, along with other strategic investments from other domestic and international investors, we will continue to spearhead ECER’s rapid growth to become a competitive, dynamic and vibrant investment destination. This in return will benefit the local communities through the creation of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities,” he added.
Also present at the milestone event today were YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, the Minister of International Trade and Industry; H.E. Dr Makio Miyagawa, the Japan Ambassador to Malaysia; YAB Ustaz Dato’ Haji Ahmad Yakob, Kelantan Chief Minister; YB Datuk Haji Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, Kelantan Deputy Chief Minister; YBhg. Datuk Yosuke Yoshioka, Group Chairman of ROHM-Wako Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. and Yukihiro Takizawa, President of ROHM-Wako Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Given Kelantan’s strategic location and available pool of talents, RWEM is keen to further expand its operation in the state to meet its aspiration to become a global centre for diodes, a specialised semiconductor device that is used in electronics industry for cell phone, television, camera and vehicles, for its group of companies. The company is also attracted to the available pool of talents that has showcased high loyalty, integrity and commitment similar to its Japanese working ethics.
ECERDC has been stepping up its efforts to engage with potential private investors from foreign countries, including Japan, to invest in ECER. To date, Japan remains one of ECER’s top five foreign trading and economic partners.
Since 2007, Kelantan has attracted investments amounting to RM12.6 billion that has created 13,261 job opportunities. Manufacturing continues to command more than half of the total investment at 54.4 per cent followed by logistics at 15.9 per cent and tourism at 11.8 per cent.
