Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd marked yet another significant milestone in its Kulim plant expansion, with the inauguration of its new vehicle painting facility, Paint Shot 3 (PS3).
Officiated by Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, this new painting facility marks one of the company’s biggest manufacturing investments to date, where approximately RM300 million has been invested for its establishment.
Expanded Capacity to Support Market Growth
According to Inokom, the new PS3 adds substantial production capability to its production operations. Based on a two-shift operation, the whole facility is designed to support up to 50,000 painted vehicle bodies per year, at a rate of 15 units per hour coupled with capability of plastic parts painting.
Combined with its other paint shops, Inokom projected the total combined paint shop capacity has increased to 100,000 painted vehicle bodies per annum.
Given the vast portfolio of models being assembled here, PS3 can support multiple car models, offering the flexibility to scale production volumes and accommodate future requirements.
Automation Driven Quality and Efficiency
To ensure quality and efficiency, most of the PS3’s operations are automated, anchored by a fully automated pre-treatment and electrodeposition (PTED) line, advanced spray booths and an integrated conveyor system.
The facility is also equipped with 32 painting and sealant robots, enabling consistent, high-precision paint application across exterior and interior surfaces as well as plastic components.
PS3 also incorporates an energy-efficient three-coat, one-bake painting process, which enables three coating layers to be applied with a single baking cycle. This reduces energy consumption, shortens processing time, and supports more sustainable manufacturing operations while maintaining high paint quality standards.
Inokom also credited Mazda’s technical support team for the development of PS3, where the Japanese automaker provided Inokom employees with valuable knowledge transfer, training and technical guidance throughout the installation and commissioning phases.
Built & Operated by 100% Malaysian Workforce
And just like the entire Ikonom Kulim plant, the new PS3 is fully built and operated by a 100% Malaysian workforce, reflecting the company’s confidence in the regional automotive industry and in local capabilities.
According to Inokom, this investment is aimed at positioning the company as the manufacturing partner of choice for local and regional automotive ecosystems, while creating employment opportunities and enhancing competitiveness.
“Inokom has evolved alongside Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy. From our beginnings as part of the nation’s automotive development ambitions, we have grown into a trusted manufacturing partner for global automotive brands. Paint Shop 3 reflects our continued commitment to investing in local capabilities, technology transfer and the future growth of Malaysia’s automotive industry,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Director of Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd.
To date, the Inokom Kulim plant is responsible for assembling multiple notable automakers, including BMW, Chery, Mazda, Porsche, and many more.
