KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 29): Rohde & Schwarz has broken ground with logistics developer Equalbase to construct a carbon-neutral manufacturing facility in the Senai Airport City Free Zone in Johor.
According to a press release on Wednesday, the development marks a strategic expansion of the German technology group’s regional manufacturing and operations footprint in Asia.
Spanning approximately 100,000 sq ft of high-spec manufacturing space with integrated warehousing, the build-to-suit facility will support both logistics and electronic device production.
The single-storey facility will occupy a 210,000 sq ft parcel, with provision for future expansion, and is scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027.
Rohde & Schwarz said the project aligns with its long-term growth plans and commitment to sustainability, while supporting Malaysia’s National Industrial Master Plan 2030, which emphasises high-value, technology-driven manufacturing.
Rohde & Schwarz Asia managing director Andy Goh said: “With this new facility, Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates its commitment to long-term growth in the region. We are pleased to partner with Equalbase, reflecting our shared commitment to environmental sustainability and quality. We look forward to building a world-class manufacturing facility specialising in highly accurate and complex electronic products, enabling us to expand our production footprint globally while partnering with skilled local engineers and companies to provide innovative and reliable solutions for our customers.”
Equalbase and its investment arm Northmod are supporting the development, which will serve as a regional production and operations hub.
Equalbase CEO Nicholas Bischoff said: “This partnership with Rohde & Schwarz continues our legacy of delivering high-quality, build-to-suit facilities for industry leaders who place their trust in Equalbase. We are proud to be working alongside a company that shares our values on sustainability and innovation. This project marks another step in the growth of highly modern, future-ready facilities in Malaysia for us, and it is exciting to collaborate with such a distinguished customer at the forefront of their field.”
Strategically located near Singapore, the Senai Airport City has attracted around RM8 billion in committed investments to date and is emerging as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing.
Senai Airport City CEO Gan Seng Keong said: “The decision by Rohde & Schwarz to locate at Senai Airport City Free Zone demonstrates the continued momentum of precision engineering and high-value manufacturing clusters within our ecosystem. This reflects the confidence multinational companies have in Senai Airport City’s well-developed infrastructure, strong governance, and skilled workforce. We look forward to collaborating with more international partners who can grow alongside Senai Airport City and contribute to strengthening Johor’s advanced manufacturing sector.”
Northmod managing partner Paul Lee said: “This project represents a timely step in expanding Northmod’s presence in Malaysia. We see strong long-term potential in the country’s logistics sector, and this investment with Equalbase and Rohde & Schwarz reflects our focus on supporting sustainable developments across Asia.”