Malaysia’s Inokom Corporation announced that it has expanded its vehicle production capabilities with the completion of a new MYR 300 million (US$ 73 million) investment, as the company looks to strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading contract assemblers.

Inokom, majority-owned by local conglomerate Sime Darby Berhad through its Sime Motors subsidiary, assembles vehicles for global automakers such as Hyundai-Kia, BMW-Mini, Mazda, Porsche and Chery. The company is looking to add new clients to its portfolio, focusing particularly on China’s fast-expanding EV manufacturers.

The new investment mainly comprises the installation of a third paint-shop (PS3) at the company’s Kulim manufacturing complex in Kedah state, providing an additional annual capacity of 50,000 vehicle bodies per year on two shifts and lifting Inokom's total paint-shop capacity to 100,000 units per year.

The new PS3 facility, which represents Sime Motors’ largest single investment in many years, can handle multiple vehicle models, providing the company with greater flexibility to respond to market demand. It features 32 painting and sealant robots, a fully automated pre-treatment and electrodeposition line, advanced spray booths and an integrated conveyor system. With the Cartridge Bell System, colours can be changed in 10 seconds from a range of up to 27 colour variants, helping to reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.

Sime Motors pointed out that the PS3 facility, which was unveiled by Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, is operated by a 100% Malaysian workforce.

The company’s head of assembly and strategic businesses, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, said in a statement: "PS3 is a significant enhancement to Inokom's manufacturing ecosystem. The facility expands our painting capacity, increases production flexibility and strengthens our ability to support the evolving requirements of our customers."