AEI

ASIA ELECTRONICS INDUSTRYYOUR WINDOW TO SMART MANUFACTURING

Micron's New Malaysia Facility Propels Smart Systems

Micron Technology, Inc. recently marked the opening of its new cutting-edge assembly and test facility in Batu Kawan, Penang, Malaysia. Moreover, the opening coincided with the celebration of Micron’s 45th anniversary.

Chief Minister of Penang, Yang Amat Berhormat Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, officiated the opening of the new facility. Furthermore, it underscored the regional significance of Micron’s expansion, highlighting the company’s four and a half decades of innovation and excellence.

Micron previously invested $1 billion and will add up to another billion including construction and full equipping of this new facility over the next few years in Penang. This will increase factory space to a total of 1.5 million square feet.

Adopts Smart Manufacturing Applications

This expansion enables Micron Malaysia to boost production output and further strengthen its assembly and test capabilities. Thus, allowing it to supply leading-edge NAND, PCDRAM, and SSD modules to meet the growing demand for transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous or electric vehicles.

File Photo: Micron Technology facility in Muar, Malaysia (Image Credit: Micron Technology)

“The official opening of our new manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan strengthens Micron’s global manufacturing footprint. (Thus), enabling us to deliver quality products to our customers on-time, with reduced cycle time and at scale,” said Amarjit Sandhu, corporate vice president of Assembly and Test NAND Operations for Micron Technology. In addition, Sandhu said, “This expansion reflects our unwavering dedication to advancing semiconductor development and manufacturing excellence.”

The Batu Kawan facility distinguishes itself by adopting smart manufacturing applications to optimize efficiency, yield, and production quality. In other words, ensuring Micron continues to deliver world-class products efficiently and reliably.

Micron has an ongoing focus on sustainability, exemplified by the facility’s design which adheres to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. This environmentally conscious approach enables Micron to reduce energy consumption in the new facility by more than 25% in comparison to the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) standard. Thus, setting a high benchmark for eco-friendly semiconductor manufacturing.  

Cutting-Edge Semiconductor Manufacturing

In 2022, Micron announced its facilities in Malaysia will be among its global network to go 100% renewable electricity. The operations for this new facility will also support Micron’s sustainability aspirations to achieve net-zero emission by 2050. In addition, target zero hazardous waste to landfills by 2030.

The opening ceremony brought together local dignitaries, industry partners, and Micron team members. Most importantly, symbolizing a shared commitment to sustainability, partnership, and progress for both Micron and Malaysia in the Penang region.

CEO of Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, said, “This expansion underscores Malaysia’s appeal as a hub for cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing. Micron’s substantial investment and dedication to sustainable practices align perfectly with our nation’s objectives outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). As we advance in this digital era, where technology plays a central role in economic growth, we eagerly anticipate continued collaboration with industry leaders such as Micron to promote innovation, sustainability, and collective prosperity.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow said, “This latest smart manufacturing facility is an expansion of Micron’s site in Batu Kawan and reflects Micron’s confidence in our ecosystem’s capability. Particularly, to bolster the development of leading-edge technologies, encouraging us to further preserve and strengthen Penang’s semiconductor leadership.”

As Micron plays a role in advancing Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem and industry, it fosters a supportive work environment.  Moreover, it enables team members to engage in meaningful work and bring their best selves every day.