THE construction of Greatech’s new 265,000sq ft modern production and office building, called the Batu Kawan III (BK III), has formally started.
Greatech Technology Berhad together with its subsidiary company hosted a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of construction for the new RM51 million building today.
Greatech Technology Berhad Board of Directors chairman Ooi Hooi Kiang said the project is scheduled to be ready by the second quarter of next year (2Q22).
“It will be located blocks away from the Greatech’s two new manufacturing facilities in Batu Kawan and is near the Group’s corporate headquarters in Bayan Lepas.
“The new plant is of strategic importance to Greatech in meeting the ever-growing demands. It will increase our existing production capacity by another 50%.
“The new facility is expected to house 500 staff, in addition to our existing 770 staff strength. Hence, by 2Q22, we will have a total of 1.1 million sq ft of built-up capacity with 1,200 staff,” she said in her speech.
Ooi said the company was proud that 99% of its staff were local hired.
“Fifty percent of the staff are engineers from diverse backgrounds such as mechanical design, mechatronics, software and electrical design,” she added.
She quoted Greatech Integration chief executive officer Datuk Tan Eng Kee as saying that Greatech was not only staying and growing in Penang as its base.
“We also envisioned to build Penang into a world-class automation hub, and we become the global Top-10 factory automation solution provider in the next five years.
“In order to realise our ambition, we continue to invest in three key strategic pillars, which are, expand our production capabilities, attract and retain key talents, and build an enduring culture that encourages open communication and innovation,” she said.
She thanked the Penang government for its continuous support which is critical in contributing towards realising its vision.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that Greatech’s presence in the technology arena has grown over the years since the company first started in 1997.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the company’s continuous growth.
“I commend Greatech’s efforts in shaping the local talents for our future. I understand that Greatech has partnered with several local universities and provided training to hundreds of fresh graduates.
“This is an important move as Penang’s industrial ecosystem stands not only on technological advancements but also on talent pool.
“The Penang government has always been committed to attracting and retaining talents in our effort to ensure that the state will remain as an advanced manufacturing hub.
“Among the initiatives taken was the Penang Future Foundation (PFF) scholarship programme for outstanding students. The programme is now in its seventh year.
“Thanks to the contributions from the various segments of the society, our sponsored scholars are now working in Penang upon graduating. I was told that one of our PFF scholars is now a mechanical design engineer in Greatech,” Chow said.
He also congratulated Greatech for achieving its significant milestone.
Malaysian International Trade and Industry (Miti) deputy minister Senator Datuk Lim Ban Hong complimented Greatech for its success.
“It has become a formidable and leading automation solutions provider, serving markets worldwide.
“It is definitely a role model for other local manufacturers in the machinery and equipment sectors,” he said.
After the groundbreaking ceremony, Greatech launched its new corporate slogan ‘Accelerate the Future’.
Tan said that the new slogan represented the company’s commitment to keep abreast of technology in the industry it serves and signified a mutual desire to take on the challenges of achieving future growth.
Greatech also presented RM300,000 to Penang Tech Centre Berhad and RM200,000 to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in a virtual mock cheque presentation ceremony.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud