Unity Willpower Commitment
UWC Holdings Sdn Bhd is a success story that every Penangite can be proud of.
From a small trading company with only two employees back in 1990, it has grown into a dynamic conglomerate with a workforce of over 1,000 personnel and an annual turnover of some RM200mil.
Today, UWC is one of the biggest sheet metal fabrication manufacturers in the northern region, providing a one-stop solution for high-technology multinational corporations (MNCs) around the globe.
This amazing accomplishment would not have been possible without the farsightedness and dedication of its two founders, managing director Dato' Ng Chai Eng and executive director Lau Chee Kheong.
Beginning with Unique Wire Cut Sdn Bhd selling wire cut machines, UWC grew both in size and capabilities to diversify into life science, semiconductor, telecommunication and heavy-duty handler industries.
In line with its expansion plans to become one of the biggest full service contract manufacturers in Malaysia, the company invested RM150mil in a new manufacturing plant in the Batu Kawan Industrial Park.
The 12.5-acre plant with a builtup of 350,000sq ft and equipped with state-of-the-art machineries and assembly lines will focus on the production of diffusion pumps, semiconductor test equipment and heavy-duty handler products.
Ng said UWC is the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the diffusion pumps to be supplied to an MNC in the United States of America.
"This MNC is one of the only three companies in the world recognised by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for its diffusion pumps," he said.
A firm believer of change and transformation towards embracing globalisation, he added that UWC constantly pushes the boundaries for continuous improvements in all aspects of its operations.
"We look forward to Industry 4.0 which has been conceptualised to increase productivity and enhance quality and consistency.
"UWC has set in motion pilot projects to embrace this industrial revolution. We have in place autonomous robots, simulation, system integration and additive manufacturing which are part of Industry 4.0's nine technological pillars.
"If the trial runs are successful, these will be implemented across our entire production floors," he elaborated, adding that it is imperative for enterprises to keep abreast with technological advancements or risk getting left behind.
Considering that the Internet of Things is the future, Ng said that UWC is also shifting its focus to 5G networks, the next generation of mobile internet connectivity.
"We are currently working on the prototype components with our partners in paving the way to ride the 5G wave towards a smarter and more connected world."
True to its corporate motto 'Move Up & Move Out', he stressed the importance of human capital especially skilled professionals like engineers.
"Move Up refers to the continuous improvements of our employees in terms of knowledge, skill sets and motivation to provide economic value to the company.
"We collaborate with various skill training institutions like PSDC, MARA, Kedah Industrial Skills And Management Development Centre (KISMEC) and Kulim Advanced Technologies (KTechno) to develop our human capital."
He said UWC also has its own talent development programme to produce engineering graduates and decrease dependency on foreign workers.
"UWC had allocated RM300,000 to sponsor eligible students to major in engineering at PSDC. Graduates will then be absorbed into our workforce, which comprises 75% locals, 5% expatriates and only 20% foreign workers.”
And to commemorate the launching of the new Batu Kawan plant today, he said UWC will contribute another RM331,000 with RM300,000 going to PSDC and the rest to three primary schools.
The recipients are SJK(C) Being Teik (Pusat), SJK(C) Chung Hwa (Pusat) and Persatuan Alumni Sekolah Hua Lian Taiping Zon Utara Malaysia.
Ng added that Move Out represents UWC's grip on the global market with over 80% of its products being exported mainly to USA, European Union and SouthEast Asia.
"UWC is considered the backbone of metal related industries around the world and thus has a strong supply chain.
“Being a one-stop solution provider, 90% of our products are done in-house to maintain our tradition of quality.
"Not one to rest on our laurels, we are bent on pursuing further added values for our stakeholders and strengthening our capabilities in setting the stage for our future market segments," he emphasised.
He also attributed UWC's exceptional success to its core values of ‘Unity, Willpower and Commitment’.
"United we stand as we forge ahead with the willpower to overcome all challenges and with the commitment to bring the company to greater heights!" he enthused.
UWC is indeed a symbol of innovation with a sterling reputation built over almost three decades of continuous excellence. With an eye towards the future, UWC is truly a force to be reckoned with.