KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): French electronic manufacturing service firm eolane has launched a new manufacturing plant in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah involving an investment of €8.7 million (RM45 million) for the first phase of the project.

The new plant is expected to create about 150 new jobs, the company said in a joint statement with Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida). eolane also plans to “substantially” increase its capacity in Phase 2 to meet future demand, it said.

“With the addition of this new facility in our pipeline, we are confident that we would be able to capture and capitalise on the industry’s demand, not only in Kedah or Malaysia but in the Asian region in general,” said eolane chief executive officer Olivier Clement.

eolane operates in seven countries, mainly designing and manufacturing electronic circuit boards for defence, industry, telecoms, rail, automotive, health, energy and aeronautics markets.

The company chose Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah because “the state has the right infrastructure, talent, and capabilities to meet the demands of the manufacturing industry,” said Clement.

Mida CEO Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the new facility aligns seamlessly with the government’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, while symbolising eolane’s confidence in Malaysia's sustained economic growth and commitment to sustainable practices.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the automated plant, with a commitment to sustainable practices, not only succeeds but also integrates Malaysia into eolane’s vital international value chain,” he said.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor meanwhile said eolane’s investment recognises Kedah as a state providing the right prerequisites for sustainable production of high-quality electronic products.

“This enables eolane to live its vision of improving performance for operation excellence in the electronic manufacturing industry,” he said.