GEORGE TOWN:
Hewlett-Packard (HP) will invest over RM1bil to set up a manufacturing
facility to produce printer heads for high-speed inkjet printers. Sources in the electronic industry told StarBiz that
HP would sign a deal with the state government by the end of this month
to acquire a property estimated to be about 20.2ha in Batu Kawan,
Penang, to set up the plant, which would produce the integrated circuit
die – used in the head of high-speed inkjet printers – with imported
wafer.
It is learned that the plant
would engage over 1,000 workers and generate outsourcing jobs
particularly for the local small and medium enterprises involved in
precision tooling and metal fabrication businesses. The plant is in line with HP’s plan to open a new graphics solution
centre of excellence and expand its ink manufacturing facility in
Singapore, which is scheduled to open next year.
In June, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Penang could expect
another wave of investments from HP and Seagate in the manufacturing
sector soon. Lim had also said the multinational corporations (MNCs) would be enhancing their investments in the state.
In August, Lim said the US MNC Seagate would invest RM1.05bil in
Penang. Seagate, which manufactures hard disks and provides data storage
solutions, would purchase 40 acres (16.18ha) with the option to
purchase another 30 acres (12.14ha) at the Batu Kawan Industrial Park. HP’s recent split into two companies will have no impact on the
decision to set up a manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan, according to a
source. HP recently confirmed its plans
to split into two companies – one to focus on personal computer and
printer business and the other on enterprise services, which is a faster
growing segment.
The Star Online
Thursday, 9 October 2014
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