SMITH + NEPHEW, a leading global medical technology company, has officially opened its much-anticipated, high-technology manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP) today.
The new plant is located at Persiaran Cassia Selatan 8 in BKIP.
Smith + Nephew Malaysia site leader and managing director Mark Arthun said the new plant is the company’s first manufacturing facility in Penang and Southeast Asia.
“The 250,000sq ft facility, at a cost of about US$50 million, will primarily support the company’s orthopaedics franchise which has been growing strongly in the Asia Pacific region.
“This is an incredible and exciting project for us because we believe that Penang is strategically located as a manufacturing hub. And Penang’s location enables us to further expand our operations.
“The new manufacturing facility is expected to create up to 800 jobs in the next five years, with available positions in various departments such as engineering, supply chain, quality human resources, finance, logistics and many more.
“And from the 800 new jobs to be created, only a small number will be expats because we want the facility here to be managed by the locals.
“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,” Mark said in his speech at the opening ceremony today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who graced the ceremony, said Penang is excited and proud to welcome the presence of Smith + Nephew here.
“We are excited and proud to welcome Smith + Nephew, a leading MedTech (medical technology) company that designs technology to take the limits off living.
“My sincerest congratulations to the Smith + Nephew team and all those involved for their dedication and hard work in achieving this milestone.
“With global revenues of US$5.2 billion in 2021, Smith + Nephew is among the 30 largest medical device firms in the world.
“It is a leading global MedTech company that specialises in orthopaedics, sports medicine, ear, nose, throat and advanced wound management sub-segments,” he said.
Chow said the medical device segment, driven by innovation and cutting-edge technologies, is a critical and fast-growing segment within the healthcare industry.
“It is estimated that by 2023, the Asia Pacific MedTech market will exceed that of the European Union (EU) and become the second-largest in the world.
“Consequently, a plethora of industry leaders hope to establish manufacturing facilities in Asia to meet the rapidly growing demand, with Penang being one of the preferred locations.
“Dubbed as the Silicon Valley of the East, Penang (thanks to its robust industrial ecosystem) not only enables the state to accelerate breakthroughs in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry but further entrench its position as a medical device hub in the region.
“I am proud to note that Penang has the highest concentrations of medical technology companies in Malaysia and Southeast Asia,” he said.
“With Smith + Nephew’s investment, it is expected to create 800 high-value jobs in the coming years. This will further enrich the local community in skills and opportunities in manufacturing, engineering and supply chain.
“Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Penang’s industrialisation, the state government through InvestPenang and other relevant state machinery is committed to providing unwavering support to the investors, while pledging to hold sustainability as one of its key priorities to unleash greater potential for the next 50 years and beyond.
“Once again, my sincerest congratulations to Smith + Nephew on the new facility,” said Chow.
Also present during the opening ceremony were state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian and Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon.
Founded in Hull, United Kingdom, in 1856, Smith + Nephew currently operates in more than 100 countries and specialises in surgical implants and advanced wound care products.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud