KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 — Innovation rarely occurs because it is one of the many available options. Rather, innovation often happens only when one lacks options. 

Easy Pack Machinery, a wholly owned subsidiary of EPB Group Berhad, came about in 1992 due to a similar reason.

The homegrown company is a one-stop provider of food processing and packaging machinery solutions, serving over 600 clients worldwide now. 

But, it first took root in a shoplot in Butterworth, Penang. Back then, the company’s founder Yeoh Chee Min’s family was running a coffee processing factory in Kedah and had to endure frustrating delays each time they required a machine supplier.

Although Malaysia’s food industry was already burgeoning by then, very few machine suppliers were catering to the food industry’s demands.

The family’s dilemma sparked a business idea for Yeoh. Through EPM, he started importing machines from Taiwan and the European Union (EU), especially Holland, to supply the local food processing industry.

However, the EU introduced the Euro currency in January 1999 and the cost of importing machines from Europe became too expensive — presenting EPM with another opportunity for innovation.

So, that same year, EPM commenced in-house production and fabrication of food processing and packaging machines.

Reflecting on EPM’s 33-year journey, its general manager Goh Toh Sin said the company’s expertise lies in seamlessly integrating both in-house and third-party food processing and packaging machinery and components to create large-scale automated processing and packaging lines.

“In simple words, we make machines talk to each other by automating the whole processing line,” Goh said.

In 2000, EPM established its presence in Kuala Lumpur, setting the stage for the company’s global expansion. A key catalyst was the support from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti).

Through one of Miti and Matrade’s exhibition platforms, EPM made its first global foray to Oman and has established its presence in many Middle East and African countries.

“Regionally, we now have a footprint in more than 50 countries, including all 10 Asean nations.

“Our biggest export market in South-east Asia, especially in the frozen food sector, is Indonesia and the Philippines.

“The demand for turnkey automation is increasing in these countries because their population and gross domestic product (GDP) is also growing,” Goh explained.

Under Malaysia’s 2025 Asean Chairmanship, Miti is intensifying its efforts to strengthen regional supply chains, promote digital and sustainable industries, and improve market access for SMEs. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz said, “As Asean Chair, one of our key focuses is to expand market access for our SMEs, which form the backbone of Asean’s economy. Malaysia does this not only by improving regional cooperation, but also by pushing for industrial reforms to encourage our companies to tech up and move up the value chain — this helps ensure that small firms can compete regionally, not just locally.”     

EPM’s trajectory mirrors Miti’s broader strategy to help Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) scale beyond borders, especially within Asean. 

In 2022, EPM also integrated applications of robotic technologies into food processing and packaging machinery solutions.

Goh said EPM also is currently exporting its Malaysian-made robots to Germany and Netherlands, penetrating into a sector that has largely been dominated by European and Japanese manufacturers.

“The program for the robots is written by our own engineers.

“We are currently constructing our third plant at the Penang Science Park, where we will showcase our robotic solutions once it begins operations in the first quarter of 2026.

“This marks a huge leap in our journey — from once a machine supplier to now robot designers,” Goh said.

In terms of market expansion, Goh said aside from its Market Development Grants to encourage participation in exhibitions, Matrade also connects EPM with foreign business delegations seeking turnkey solutions during their visits to Malaysia.

While strengthening their global presence, Goh said EPM’s continuous push for innovation ensures it remains as a frontrunner in turnkey automation.

He said EPM also aims to drive the success stories of other local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by helping them to penetrate into the global market as well.

“We want to be a trusted partner in turnkey automation, bringing affordable robotics solutions across South-east Asia.

As Malaysia positions itself as a high-value manufacturing hub within Asean, companies like EPM are proof that local innovation, backed by Miti’s policies and Asean integration, can create global champions.