BATTERY manufacturer INV New Material Technology (M) Sdn Bhd has officially established its first-ever manufacturing plant in Penang.
The new state-of-the-art factory is located at the Penang Technology Park@Bertam in Kepala Batas.
INV New Material Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, established in Aug 2023, is the Malaysian arm of Shenzhen Senior Technology Material Co Ltd, a well-established name in the research and development of lithium-ion battery separators.
The opening ceremony was held today and was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
INV New Material Technology’s chairman Datuk Chen XiuFeng said INV is investing RM6.4 billion in this large-scale facility.
“Once fully operational by June 2027, it aims to produce 2 billion square meters of high-performance battery separators each year, capturing 15% of the global market share.
“This will not only be the largest low-carbon separator plant in ASEAN but also a key contributor to the global energy transition,” he said.
In his speech, Chow congratulated INV for reaching this major milestone.
“It’s a pleasure to be here again in Bertam and to be standing on the very same site where we gathered in November 2023 for the groundbreaking of this project.
“To return just one and a half years later and witness this transformation is truly impressive.
“What we are seeing today is the beginning of what I believe will be a long-term, impactful presence here in Penang.
“With applications spanning electric vehicles, energy storage, aerospace, and electronics, INV’s presence here adds depth and value to Penang’s growing green technology and energy ecosystem,” said Chow.
Chow added that the new manufacturing facility is also expected to create 1,200 skilled job opportunities.
“This is a welcome boost for our local talent pipeline and is aligned with the state’s ambitions to deepen our expertise in high-value industries,” he said.
Chow emphasised that the state government, through InvestPenang and many of its partners, remains focused on facilitating high-impact, technology-driven investments.
“Our strategies are aligned with national roadmaps such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).
“Together, we aim to build a resilient, future-ready industrial base for Malaysia,” said Chow.
Chow added that the state government also recognises that infrastructure and livability must keep pace with growth.
“Thus, the state government is actively working to enhance utilities, transport connectivity, and industrial infrastructure, particularly in emerging hubs like Bertam.
“We want to ensure that Penang is conducive and sustainable for businesses, workers, and communities,” he concluded.
Also present were Bukit Tambun assemblyman and InvestPenang director Goh Choon Aik, INV New Material Technology (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Liu Rui and Zhuhai COSMX Battery Co. Ltd senior vice-president Wu Ying Lian.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat