MCE has commenced operations at its MYR 50 million (US$ 12.2 million) manufacturing facility located in the UMW High Value Manufacturing Park, Serendah.

MCE is a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specialising in the full spectrum of design, manufacture and supply of automotive electronics and mechatronic parts for the Malaysian and regional markets. Through its primary operating subsidiary, Multi-Code Electronics Industries (MCEI), the company works directly with major automotive manufacturers.

The eight-acre MCE Auto Hub has been established to support the group's design, engineering, manufacturing, and research and development (R&D) activities. The facility is an Industry 4.0-ready manufacturing hub and incorporates clean-room production areas, as well as controlled manufacturing environments required for automotive electronics used in both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs).

The hub represents the first phase of the company's long-term investment plan, which is expected to total up to MYR 200 million. Upon completion, the investment is expected to more than double the group's production capacity and expand its activities in automotive electronics and mobility-related technologies.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who attended the opening of the hub, said the investment marks a development in Malaysia's automotive industry and reflects investment in MCE Holdings and Malaysia.

"It is imperative that local suppliers continue to pursue manufacturing excellence by cultivating engineering expertise, innovation and technology in a highly competitive industry," said Johari.

MCE Group Managing Director Dr. Goh Kar Chun said the company has continued to invest in its operations since securing its first contract to supply remote alarms and central locking systems for the domestic market in 1990.

"We have expanded our portfolio from traditional automotive components into automotive electronics and mechatronic solutions over the years. Today, we serve customers across Malaysia, ASEAN and the United States, supplying automotive electronics and mechatronic solutions. The MCE Auto Hub forms part of the company's ongoing investment programme," he further added.

Expanding on the hub's role, Dr. Goh said the facility would also support localisation efforts within the automotive industry, creating opportunities for Malaysian engineers, technology companies and suppliers to participate in the design, development and manufacture of automotive technologies in Malaysia.

The group now employs 680 people following the commencement of operations at the MCE Auto Hub. This includes 90 engineers across its operations in Johor Bahru, Port Klang and Serendah, supporting programmes across both the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) segments.

"We believe the future of Malaysia's automotive industry will involve collaboration between carmakers, Tier-1 suppliers and local ecosystem participants, including semiconductor and electrical and electronics (E&E) companies. Such collaboration could create opportunities for Malaysian-developed technologies to be integrated into automotive applications and supply chains, while supporting Malaysia's automotive electronics sector," Dr. Goh further added.