GEORGE TOWN – Penang-based manufacturer of factory automation equipment Greatech Technology Bhd kickstarted its expansion plans with the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of its new RM51 million facility in Batu Kawan today.
The Batu Kawan facility will be the company’s third manufacturing plant and fourth establishment, taking into account the group’s corporate headquarters in Bayan Lepas.
Greatech chairman Ooi Hooi Kiang said the project is scheduled to be completed by the second quarter of 2022 and will be of strategic importance to meet its clients' ever-growing demands by another 50%.
“The board envisions that it will help turn Penang into a world-class automation hub by becoming the global top ten factory automation solution providers in the next five years.
“We also pride ourselves on hiring 99% locals, with 50% of the staff consisting of engineers,” he said.
The event was graced by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who commended Greatech’s efforts in shaping local talent for the future.
Premised on Greatech’s position that high-value jobs such as designing work in the automation field must be locally produced in Malaysia, I am confident that their engagements with foreign markets will benefit the nation, especially when our people can utilise from technology sharing and exposure on international platforms.
“I was made to understand that Greatech has partnered with several local universities and provided training to hundreds of fresh graduates.
“This is an important move as Penang’s industrial ecosystem stands not only on technological advancements but also on the talent pool to engineer future progress.
“In this regard, the Penang state government has always been committed to attracting and retaining talents in our effort to ensure that Penang will remain as an advanced manufacturing hub.
“One such initiative is the Penang Future Foundation (PFF) scholarship programme for outstanding students which is now in its seventh year.
“Thanks to contributions from various segments of the society, our sponsored scholars are now working in Penang upon graduating.
“I was also told that one of our PFF scholars is now a mechanical design engineer with Greatech,” he said during the launch today.
Apart from their accelerated growth, the company has also displayed unwavering support to meet the needs of the underprivileged, the marginalised, and the downtrodden throughout the pandemic.
Greatech had donated a total of RM5.1 million to the relevant communities throughout the country.
During the ceremony, Ooi, on behalf of the company, also presented RM300,000 to Penang Tech Centre Berhad and RM200,000 to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in a virtual mock cheque presentation ceremony. – The Vibes, October 13, 2021.
