GEORGE TOWN, Oct 6 — China-based solar product manufacturer, JA Solar Holdings, launched its Phase Two expansion in Bayan Lepas today with a commitment of further capital investment.

JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd president Xie Jian said they have committed a further capital investment of RM200 million to increase the manufacturing output capacity in Penang.

"This will increase our Malaysia’s output capacity to 1 gigawatt per annum,” he said in his speech at the launching ceremony.

He said the expansion will create over 300 jobs and the plant here will also be producing its new line of Percium series of cells.

Today also marked the plant’s first anniversary celebration.

"In the most recent quarter, we achieved total shipments of 1,381 megawatts which is a new milestone for JA Solar Group and JA Solar Malaysia contributed 11 per cent of the total,” he said.

He said the decision for JA Solar to increase its investment in Penang is due to the company’s global strategy to continue with its long-term investment here.

JA Solar expands the factory after one year in Penang, October 6, 2016. — Picture by KE Ooi

Later, in his opening speech, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the launch of phase two expansion by JA Solar showed that the manufacturer is able to adapt to the ups and downs of the manufacturing sector and continue to increase its investments.

"Penang has always moved from strength to strength to involve new sectors and it is normal for the manufacturing sector to see ups and downs,” he said.

He believed most companies will be able to weather the ups and downs just like JA Solar.

"This further investment by them here reflects Penang’s position as a key centre for JA Solar and by making its latest products here, JA Solar can ensure that Penang and Malaysia remains at the forefront of the solar industry,” he said.

JA Solar Holdings is a NASDAQ listed company and one of the world’s leaders in solar cell production and shipments.