INV New Material Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of China-based Shenzhen Senior Technology Material Co Ltd, has officially commenced operations at its RM3.2 billion manufacturing facility in Penang, signalling a significant enhancement to Malaysia’s position in the global lithium-ion battery supply chain.
Situated within the Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, the 26.7-hectare site is set to become the world’s largest production base for wet-process and coated battery separators. The milestone was marked by an opening ceremony officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, with senior company leadership including INV’s Chief Executive Officer Liu Rui and Shenzhen Senior Technology Material Co Ltd Chairman Datuk Chen Xiu Feng in attendance.
Datuk Chen emphasised that Penang’s well-established industrial base and Malaysia’s competitive manufacturing landscape made the region an ideal destination for this strategic investment. He highlighted the country’s central location in Southeast Asia as a distinct advantage for international trade and regional connectivity.
“With Malaysia as our pivot, we will provide localised, zero-distance service to international clients beyond Greater China. This is the essence of our vision for Illuminating Southeast Asia – positioning Penang as a hub connecting ASEAN to the world in lithium battery innovation,” he stated.
The new smart factory is underpinned by state-of-the-art technologies, prioritising sustainability and innovation throughout its operations. In addition to job creation and economic stimulation, the company has committed to community development initiatives and collaboration with local universities to support research in advanced battery materials.
The facility represents a major advancement in Malaysia’s green technology landscape and reinforces the nation’s attractiveness as a regional hub for next-generation manufacturing and clean energy innovation. According to Chen, total investment in the site will reach RM6.4 billion, with Phase 2 of the development currently underway and projected for completion by 2027.
Once fully operational by June 2027, the facility is expected to produce two billion square metres of high-performance battery separators annually, securing an estimated 15 per cent share of the global market.
Chief Minister Chow praised INV’s rapid progress and strategic contributions to the state’s green economy. He noted that INV, incorporated in August 2023, is a critical extension of Shenzhen Senior Technology Material Co Ltd’s global leadership in lithium-ion battery separator R&D.
“With applications spanning electric vehicles, energy storage, aerospace and electronics, INV’s presence here adds depth and value to Penang’s growing green technology and energy ecosystem,” Chow said.
He further noted that the facility is anticipated to generate 1,200 skilled jobs, contributing meaningfully to local talent development and aligning with Penang’s vision of promoting high-value industries.
