ELNA PCB(M) SDN. BHD., a global supplier of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and a subsidiary of Global Brands Manufacture under the PSA Group, has announced the opening of its second state-of-the-art plant in Penang, Malaysia. Representing an investment exceeding RM1 billion, the five-story PCB manufacturing facility is adjacent to ELNA’s existing plant. Also, it is dedicated to producing high-quality advanced PCBs.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by YB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang; Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang; Mr. Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed, Director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Penang; and Mr. Hsu Shang Chih, President of the Penang Standing Committee of Taiwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Malaysia.

YB Chow Kon Yeow, Penang Chief Minister, stated, “The completion of ELNA’s new plant marks not only a significant milestone for ELNA but also for Penang, as we continue to strengthen our position as a global leader in the electronic manufacturing sector. The construction of this second PCB plant in Malaysia will not only expand production capacity. Also, it will transfer advanced manufacturing technology, foster local expertise in cutting-edge PCB technology, and create over 1,000 additional jobs.”

YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said, “ELNA’s significant RM1-billion investment expansion is a clear vote of confidence in Malaysia’s policies to fostering innovation and growth in the semiconductor industry. This expansion is well-aligned to our New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). Both of which aim to strengthen the industry’s value chain from chip design to wafer fabrication, assembly, and testing.”

Further, “ELNA’s expanded investments in Malaysia is poised to be a catalyst for further industry growth and investment, and we are fully committed to providing the required support for their continued success,” he continued.

Echoing the sentiments, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said, “We are delighted to witness ELNA’s substantial expansion in Penang. This signifies a strong vote of confidence in Malaysia’s position as a key hub for advanced electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. ELNA’s investment aligns perfectly with our strategic initiatives to enhance the semiconductor ecosystem, from R&Dand innovation to full-scale production. MIDA is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with ELNA to drive sustainable growth. This ensures that our skilled workforce and supportive ecosystem continue to meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry.”

Meanwhile, Ian Yang, President of ELNA, expressed, “The first phase of production will yield 300,000 square feet of PCBs. Specifically, these will cater to the automotive, server, network equipment, personal computing, and consumer electronics sectors.”

Moreover, as the demand for high-quality and advanced PCBs increase, the plant’s full production capacity is expected to reach 1 million square feet in the future. “The existing facility will continue to manufacture double-sided and multi-layer PCBs, while the new plant will add advanced production capabilities to meet customers’ needs for diversified geographical manufacturing and supply chain flexibility,” Yang continued.

Mr. Lance Tao, President of PSA PCB Business Group, commented that “It is our honor to establish a new plant in Malaysia, the inauguration of the new ELNA plant is a significant milestone for PCB Division. PSA is committed to providing one-stop industry-leading solutions for customers worldwide, promising to deliver more diverse and high-quality products and services.”

6^th Largest Chip Exporter

As the world’s sixth-largest semiconductor exporter, Malaysia accounts for 13% of the global assembly, testing and packaging market. In particular, Penang stands as a major hub for Malaysia’s semiconductor industry. It boasts a well-established industrial ecosystem, a rich talent pool, and a favorable business environment.

Primarily, ELNA’s decision to build a new PCB plant in Penang is a strategic move that is expected to enhance the region’s electronics manufacturing supply chain.

Further, the PSA Group continues its global expansion, with investments in Malaysia, Japan, and other locations through its subsidiaries. These include Global Brands Manufacture Technology, which is establishing EMS plants in Ipoh; Kamaya Electric, focusing on passive components; and SILITECH Technology, which is setting up innovative integrated design and manufacturing services plants in Penang and Negeri Sembilan.

-13 September 2024-