New world-class manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan

Admin

SMITH + NEPHEW, a leading global medical technology company, has officially kicked off the construction works for its much-anticipated, high-technology manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan Industrial Park today.

 

The ground-breaking marked the company’s first manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia and in Penang.

 

Its global operations president Mark Gladwell said the 250,000sq ft facility cost about US$50 million with an availability for future expansion.

 

“We expect the construction works to be completed by the third quarter of 2021.

 

“This is an incredible and exciting project for us because we believe that Penang is strategically located as a manufacturing hub. Penang’s location enables us to further expand our operations.

 

“We hope to create up to 800 jobs in the next five years to fill positions in various departments such as engineering, supply chain, quality human resources, finance, logistics and many more.

 

“The new facility will primarily support the company’s orthopaedics franchise which has been growing strongly in the Asia Pacific region.

 

“We are very grateful for the strong support from the Federal Government, Penang government and all the relevant agencies.

 

“We look forward to working with all of you to achieve great success,” Gladwell said in his speech before taking part in the ground-breaking ceremony in Batu Kawan Industrial Park today.

 

Also present were state Domestic and International Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Mohd Bazid Abd Kahar, Smith + Nephew manufacturing network strategy vice-president Ross Macken and Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik.

 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who graced the ceremony, said the medical technology and devices industry was playing an increasingly important role in Penang.

 

“There are eight out of 30 top global medical devices companies operating or have announced their investments in Penang.

 

“The state’s infrastructure is capable of meeting the stringent demands of the highly-regulated medical technology and devices industry; thanks to Penang’s industrial experience and robust ecosystem.

 

“I believe that Penang will continue to gain traction in attracting global players in the medical devices industry.

 

“I would also like to congratulate Smith + Nephew for their significant milestone and wish them further success,” Chow said.

 

Founded in Hull, United Kingdom, in 1856, Smith + Nephew currently operates in more than 100 countries and specialises in surgical implants and advance wound care products.

 

Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis