NI Malaysia today announced the opening of its newly-completed global supply chain distribution hub here in Batu Maung, Penang.
According to NI Malaysia managing director, Selvam Chinappan, the new building will play a critical role in strengthening NI’s global footprint.
“It is to serve as a global distribution centre for NI’s software-connected automated test and automated measurement systems.
“When fully operational, the facility will also further enable NI’s growth for products related to Industry 4.0 megatrend applications, including Internet of Things (IoT), 5G and automotive technology,” Selvam said in his speech during the official opening ceremony of the new facility in Batu Maung today.
It was learnt that this new state-of-the-art wing is part of the broad-based expansion plan that NI had announced in Nov 2019, which includes USD40 million (RM166 million) in capital investment and the creation of 250 new jobs across the research and development (R&D), manufacturing and sales capabilities.
With this newly-completed expansion which occupies 60,000 square feet on a six-acre land for additional distribution, manufacturing and shared services office space, the Penang facility now spans a total of 23 acres of land.
Due unforeseen circumstances, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was not able to attend the ceremony earlier but was represented by his special investment adviser, Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon.
Lee, who spoke on behalf of Chow, extended his appreciation to NI for the hard work and dedication in turning this effort into a reality.
“NI has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2009 and grown from strength-to-strength here in Penang.
“NI Penang is the company’s third largest operational site and housing one of the largest R&D centres outside of its headquarters in Austin, Texas,” Lee said during his speech.
Also present during the event were the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chief executive officer Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman and InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting