BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Aerospace Composites Malaysia’s (ACM) additional investment of RM50 million to expand its factory by 40% and install new equipment showed the company’s determination and belief in the resilience of the economy.
General manager Robert Moray said ACM has invested almost RM240 million, since its establishment at the Bukit Kayu Hitam industrial estate in 2001.
“This expansion was in response to the growing demand for our businesses in the aerospace technology. This is merely an expansion in physical capacity, which presents the promise of a brighter future in the aerospace industry in Malaysia,” he said.
Moray was speaking at the official opening of ACM’s new expanded manufacturing facility by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir yesterday.
The investment adds 125,000 sq ft to the factory footprint, which now totals 440,000 sq ft. The project includes a clean-room expansion of 11,000 sq ft and installation of RM14 million worth of new equipment.
Moray said ACM now employs almost 1,000 workers, compared with only 100 when it was established, and the company is determined to continue growing its business by sourcing locally, creating new local employment, offering products, and helping to boost the industrial development of Kedah and the growth of the aerospace industry in Malaysia.
He also announced the rebranding of the company to Aerospace Composites Malaysia, formerly known as Asian Composite Manufacturer.
ACM, which produces flight surfaces for all of Boeing’s commercial programmes — including the next-generation 737, 747-8, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner — is a joint-venture company between Boeing and Hexcel.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice-president John Bryne said Boeing and Hexcel are increasing ACM’s capacity, as a direct result of its proven high performance and ability to expand its capabilities, to support the quality, reliability and affordability of Boeing’s commercial aircraft.
He said Boeing and Malaysia have a long history of collaboration. — Bernama
This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on November 8, 2013.