KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 11): Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd on Tuesday officially opened a new facility that doubles its total painting capacity at its flagship Kulim complex.

Known as Paint Shop 3 (PS3), the RM300 million facility can handle up to 50,000 painted vehicle bodies a year based on a two-shift operation, lifting Inokom’s combined paint shop capacity to 100,000 units annually, according to a statement.

“The investment is aimed at positioning Inokom as the manufacturing partner of choice for local and regional automotive ecosystems, while creating employment opportunities and enhancing competitiveness,” the company said.

Inokom assembles vehicles for seven brands at its 200-acre manufacturing hub in Kulim, Kedah. The company is 51% owned by Sime Darby Bhd (KL:SIME).

Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea has 15% while their joint venture Sime Hyundai Sdn Bhd holds 5%. Bermaz Auto Bhd (KL:BAUTO), which mainly assembles Mazda-branded vehicles, has the remaining 29%.

PS3 is one of Sime’s largest manufacturing investments to date and “is a significant enhancement to Inokom’s manufacturing ecosystem”, said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director of Sime Motors’ assembly and strategic businesses.

“The facility expands our painting capacity, increases production flexibility and strengthens our ability to support the evolving requirements of our customers,” he added.