THE Switzerland-based innovative technology company, Comet Group, will be expanding its operation in Penang with the new facility located in the current plant at Persiaran Cassia Selatan 3 in Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP).
Comet Group chief executive officer Stephan Haferl said the expansion plan of the new 30,000sq ft facility is expected to start next year.
“We have been operating in BKIP, Penang, since August 2020 and further expansion of our presence in Asia is a key for Comet, as several of our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers have significant manufacturing operations in Asia.
“To meet increasing demand and capitalise on opportunities in this fast-growing region, Comet will rent additional 30,000sq ft at the current location in BKIP to produce critical high-frequency components.
“This decision was made because the long-term growth drivers for semiconductor and electronics demand are intact despite the current uncertainties in the world.
“Currently, we are renting a portion of the Inari factory building.
“The expansion will function as a manufacturing and service centre for high-frequency components, a key product used to control plasma processes for microchip manufacturing.
“And when completed, Comet will have a combined total of 60,000sq ft space and employ about 500 people to meet the demands of the semiconductor equipment customers,” Haferl said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the inauguration ceremony of the manufacturing facility today.
It is understood that the inauguration ceremony of Comet’s manufacturing facility in BKIP was supposed to be held in 2020 but was postponed due to some technical reasons and the Covid-19 situation.
Chow, in his speech, congratulated Comet Group for its continued confidence and support in establishing the manufacturing facility in Penang.
“Penang is excited and proud to welcome your presence here. My sincerest congratulations to the Comet team for its dedication and hard work in achieving this milestone.
“Given the proliferation of digitalisation that drives the heightened demand in both industry and society alike, I am confident that Comet is poised to unleash its potential in this fast-growing digital world.
“Penang is pleased to be the location of choice for Comet, serving as an acknowledgement of the skilled talent, well-developed infrastructure and resilient environment the state holds,” he said.
Chow added that with the investment by Comet and its further expansion, the state government is expecting the creation of hundreds of high-value jobs in the coming years.
“This will further enrich the local community in terms of skills and opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain.
“Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Penang’s industrialisation this year, the state via InvestPenang and other relevant state agencies is committed to providing unwavering support to the investors while pledging to hold sustainability as one of the key priorities to unleash greater potential for the next 50 years and beyond,” he said.
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) deputy chief executive officer (investment development) Lim Bee Vian and Comet Group Board of Directors chairman Heinz Kundert.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis