GERMAN industrial robotics giant KUKA has officially launched its new Malaysian office in Penang through its local arm, KUKA Robot Automation (M) Sdn Bhd, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across Southeast Asia.
Strategically located in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan, the new facility houses an Application Center showcasing KUKA’s cutting-edge robotic solutions across various sectors including electronics, automotive, logistics, and medical. The centre also features a Swisslog AutoStore demonstration, highlighting KUKA’s intralogistics capabilities.
KUKA Southeast Asia chief executive officer Tean Shen Zen said the Penang expansion marks KUKA’s strategic commitment to supporting northern Malaysia’s growing role as a high-tech and smart manufacturing hub.
“Penang’s strength in advanced manufacturing makes it the ideal location for KUKA’s next chapter.
“We are also proud to partner with state government agencies and Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) to shape the next generation of industrial talent,” Tean said in his speech during the opening ceremony today.
The opening ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Also present were InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Malaysian Investment Department Authority (Mida) Penang director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed, PSDC chief executive officer Dr Hari Narayanan and KUKA APeC chief regional officer Alan Fam.
Fam said KUKA’s investment in Penang reflects the company’s confidence in Malaysia as a strategic partner for innovation in automation and robotics.
Meanwhile, Jagdeep congratulated KUKA on its latest milestone and welcomed the company’s presence as a meaningful addition to Penang’s thriving industrial landscape.
“KUKA is a global name in robotics and intelligent automation and its presence here is more than a business expansion.
“It is a bold commitment to Malaysia’s future in advanced manufacturing and a strategic recognition of Penang’s pivotal role in the Southeast Asian innovation landscape.
“With over 50 years of industrial excellence, Penang has built a dynamic ecosystem that not only attracts global investments but also fosters innovation and technological advancement.
“The expansion of KUKA into Penang reflects the state’s growing reputation as an advanced manufacturing destination,” he said.
Jagdeep also reiterated the state government’s commitment to support initiatives that drive industrial progress, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
“We welcome KUKA’s investment as a valuable addition to our ecosystem, and we look forward to many years of fruitful collaboration,” he said.
As part of the ceremony, KUKA and PSDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on robotics training and talent development, a move seen as crucial to meeting future industry demands.
Jagdeep said the MoU signed between KUKA and PSDC is a strategic step forward, opening new avenues for collaborative innovation and the development of future-ready talent in high-tech fields.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad