CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mattel (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd for the company’s confidence in Penang and continued investments in the state over the years.
Mattel (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, celebrated its 40th anniversary today.
The toy company was established in 1981 in Perai and was Mattel’s first manufacturing plant in the country.
Chow said the Penang government is proud that Mattel continues to invest in the state as a key destination within its global supply chain.
“This is a strong indication of the state’s efforts and commitment to developing a welcoming environment for industry players and positioning the state at the forefront of industrialisation.
“Throughout the years, Mattel has also succeeded in developing a thriving ecosystem for the toy industry in the Perai Free Industrial Zone.
“This is in terms of the packaging, paint, material supplies and machine design.
“This is proven when Mattel has encouraged the growth of its local partners, including Walta Engineering, Mattel’s automation vendor, with whom Mattel has co-designed and developed custom-made automated machines for its processes and Pheonix Press, Mattel’s printing partner.
“It is heartening to see the positive spillover effects that Mattel has brought to the homegrown companies.
“This is in line with the supply chain localisation agenda that the state constantly advocates, via InvestPenang,” Chow said in his speech during the company’s 40th-anniversary celebration at its plant in Perai today.
Also present were United States ambassador to Malaysia Brian D. McFeeters, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad, Chief Minister’s special investment adviser Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Mattel Incorporated president and chief commercial officer Steve Totzke and Mattel Malaysia general manager Ching Chiau Lee.
Chow said the celebration marked a great milestone for Mattel’s presence in Malaysia, especially in Penang, showcasing its well-established manufacturing operations here in the state.
“My heartiest congratulation to Mattel’s team and all involved for the milestone.
“The state, via InvestPenang and other relevant state agencies, is committed to ensuring a versatile talent pool, supportive infrastructure and resilient industry clusters.
“These are among the imperatives for effective supply chain management and sustained competitiveness, all of which are believed to add value to Mattel’s operation in Penang.
“Thus, I look forward to enhancing our partnership in the years to come. My best wishes to all,” he said.
According to Ching, since Mattel was established in 1981, the company has grown its manufacturing capability significantly and helped to develop a thriving ecosystem for local industries.
“And one thing that has never changed is our mission to inspire and entertain children to play.
“We continue to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and flourish their full potential through our toys.
“I also would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners including local partners for supporting our ambitions and growth in Malaysia over the years.
“Your continued support has made all of this possible.
“We also want to express our appreciation to our beloved workers who are the pillar of our success through their relentless commitment and hard work.
“Happy 40th anniversary to all of you that have made all of this possible. May we achieve many great things in the years to come,” said Ching.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Law Suun Ting