A GLOBAL leader in life science laboratory solutions, Eppendorf Group, is expanding its international manufacturing network with the establishment of its first production facility in Southeast Asia at the Bandar Cassia Technology Park in Penang.
The milestone was marked by the signing of a lease agreement between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Eppendorf for the future greenfield manufacturing site.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Loo Lee Lian witnessed the momentous signing ceremony between PDC chief executive officer Abdul Latiff Abdul Aziz, and Eppendorf Group chief executive officer Dr Christine Munz in Komtar earlier today.
Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, Eppendorf employs approximately 4,100 people across 30 countries. The company develops, manufactures and distributes premium laboratory equipment and systems used by researchers and scientists worldwide.
Its portfolio spans liquid handling, automated liquid handling, consumables, centrifuges and laboratory instruments, bioprocess solutions, software and laboratory services that support research, diagnostics, pharmaceutical development, production and quality assurance.
The proposed facility will serve as a modern, integrated manufacturing hub for selected products from Eppendorf’s centrifuges and instruments portfolio, including centrifuges, mixers and cyclers.
The investment is expected to strengthen the company’s global production footprint, establish a strategic manufacturing base in Southeast Asia and enhance its long-term competitiveness and operational resilience.
Construction represents a total investment of approximately €40 million (about RM180 million), with production expected to begin progressively during the ramp-up phase in 2028.
The facility is projected to create around 130 jobs by the end of 2029, with further employment opportunities anticipated as operations expand.
Dr Christine described the project as a significant milestone in Eppendorf’s international growth strategy.
“We are proud to announce an important next step in the Eppendorf Group’s international growth journey.
“With today’s signing of the lease agreement, we are strengthening our ties with Malaysia, which has been part of our history in the Asia-Pacific region for more than three decades.
“Our planned new production site in Penang is a further clear and confident commitment to the country, its people and its industrial capabilities.
“With this project, Eppendorf is strengthening its global manufacturing network, building a powerful production platform in Southeast Asia and creating the foundation for continued long-term growth,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chow said Eppendorf’s investment underscores the continued confidence that global industry leaders have in Penang’s thriving industrial ecosystem.
He said the project would further strengthen the state’s capabilities in scientific and measuring equipment, a strategic sector that supports the future of advanced manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences.
“We welcome Eppendorf to explore opportunities with local companies through the Penang ATE Campus in technology development, localisation, supplier development and supply chain strengthening,” he said.
Chow said the occasion marked more than the signing of a lease agreement, as it symbolised Eppendorf’s long-term commitment to Penang and Malaysia.
“We welcome Eppendorf’s decision to establish its new greenfield production facility at Bandar Cassia Technology Park, its first manufacturing plant in Southeast Asia, following the establishment of its regional hub in Kuala Lumpur in 1995.
“With an investment of approximately €40 million, or around RM180 million, this facility will strengthen Eppendorf’s global manufacturing network and serve as an important production base in Southeast Asia for selected products from its centrifuges and instruments portfolio.
“For Penang, this investment is significant not only for its value, but also for what it represents.
“It reflects the confidence that global industry leaders continue to place in our industrial ecosystem while strengthening Penang’s capabilities in scientific and measuring equipment,” Chow said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud