TRIO IN BID TO GROOM LOCAL SMEs
Pentamaster-Mata-ViTrox JV’s automation project to assist firms on production of precision machine parts
AUTOMATED equipment manufacturer Pentamaster Corp Bhd has embarked on the Penang Automation Cluster project in efforts to groom local small and medium enterprises (SME) to produce high-quality precision machine parts.
Executive chairman Chuah Choon Bin said the company had formed a joint venture with the Malaysia Automation Technology Association (Mata) and ViTrox Corp Bhd for the special project as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
He said the company started the project with the aim of helping SMEs produce high-quality precision products by using technology that was on par with international standards.
“We are importing precision products from overseas to use in our machines. We thought, ‘why not produce them locally and give an opportunity for the SMEs to do it?’”
“Hence, the Penang Automation Cluster project came about.”
Chuah said Pentamaster had acquired a parcel of land in Batu Kawan from the state government to build a platform for the 18 SMEs to be guided in the pioneer project.
“It is expected to start in 2019 once construction of the platform is completed. We will expand on the project if the outcome is successful,” he said.
He added that Pentamaster started its operations in 1991 in the automation industry, catering to semiconductor and nonsemiconductor firms.
Its main customers include phone makers and the automotive industry.
The company provides an integrated range of innovative service in manufacturing automated and semi-automated machineries and equipments.
It has grown bigger, and today, has 400 employees, including 250 engineers.
The company records a stable yearly revenue of RM200 million, with the local supply chain revenue amounting to nearly RM150 million.
A portion of the funds is used for its CSR, which includes the Penang Automation Cluster project.
Pentamaster also focuses on helping the underprivileged communities in the state, particularly in Farlim.
“We have contributed to the community there by helping the poor students through tuition classes and giving donations to the orphanages and schools,” said Chuah.
Pentamaster, which is still growing in terms of technology generating revenues, has put its prime focus on research and development (R&D) in order to move up the supply chain.
Today, 80 per cent of its products are exported, including to the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific.
Chuah said the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) had helped to provide funding for the company, especially in R&D, through the Domestic Investment Strategic Fund.
“Our company has vastly benefited from MIDA. They provide grants for our R&D to have a technological breakthrough of our own. This is so that we can be competitive in the international market,” he said.
According to MIDA, Pentamaster supports the government’s agenda of encouraging the usage of automation in the manufacturing sector by providing worldclass automation solution to its clients.
With the facilitation provided by MIDA, Pentamaster has equipped its design and development centre with the latest software system and instrument for R&D and modernisation of manufacturing facilities.