Infineon Technologies yesterday took a step closer to implementing Smart Manufacturing in Malaysia with the launch of Block 8 in Melaka. The new building is designed to Industry 4.0 standards incorporating automation, internet of things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems.
It comprises an investment of RM240 million (€52 million) and offers 28,090 square meters of additional space.
“Infineon has had a presence in Malaysia for over four decades. The launch of our new building in Melaka is another important step as we accelerate our manufacturing efficiency through the implementation of Industry 4.0 elements,” said Jochen Hanebeck, Member of the Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG, responsible for Operations.
“The infrastructure in Block 8 is designed for a more automated, connected and controlled manufacturing environment that will help us increase efficiency of our equipment, material, processes and our work force. With this, Infineon will be able to deliver to our customers the best quality products and at a faster rate – and in turn enable the company to uphold its position as a world leader in semiconductor solutions,” he added.
Also present at the launch were guest of honour Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Chief Minister of Melaka Datuk Seri Utama Ir. Haji Idris bin Haji Haron.
Located at the Batu Berendam Free Trade Zone 3, Infineon’s Block 8 features 4-storeys of production space and has been designed to accommodate the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of Industry 4.0.
This includes a highly-connected environment with smart manufacturing production lines that are self-optimizing, where information is collected and processed in real-time to enable utilization optimization and greater production efficiencies. The implementation will be carried out in phases with several automation projects already in the pipeline, particularly for the Scheduling & Dispatching, Material Handling & Transportation, WIP storage and Data Mining processes.
In addition, Block 8 will also be able to accommodate close to 300 workstations, a canteen and up to 400 lots of parking space for employees.
“As we move our manufacturing towards Industry 4.0, we want to ensure that we develop our employees in line with this as well. We will have technologically advanced automated equipment, and it is crucial to have the people who are technically competent to make the right decisions when dealing with these hi-tech machineries,” said Lee Cheong Chee, President and Managing Director of Infineon Melaka.
“To do this we will build up new skillsets in our people through knowledge transfers, on-job and in-house trainings. This in-turn will create a pipeline of highly-skilled talent, not just for Infineon but for the nation as a whole – aligned with Malaysia’s goal of being a knowledge-based, high-income nation,” Lee added.