GEORGE TOWN, Jan 28 — Leading lighting manufacturer Osram Opto Semiconductors signed a contract with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) today to expand its factory here with the construction of a new RM15.5 million building.
Osram managing director Dr Roland Mueller signed the documents with PDC’s Datuk Rosli Jaafar in an exchange ceremony today, initiating the plan for PDC to build the three-storey building and lease it to Osram.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who witnessed the signing, said the new facility, spread out over 54,252 sq feet of built-up area, will house Osram’s office and laboratory that focuses on Innovation, Design and Realization of lighting technologies.
“This expansion is seen not only as another important new milestone achieved by Osram but also a strategic investment for Penang,” he said after the exchange of documents at his office in Komtar here today.
He added that the expansion will focus on high-skilled business and technology roles that will create high-value employment for the state’s pool of workers.
In his speech, Mueller said they hoped to move into the new building, called PEN33, at the start of next year.
“Up to 300 employees from research and development, SSL business segment, purchasing, controlling and IT will accommodate the new space,” he said.
He added that the new building will strengthen Osram’s position in Penang, not only as a production site, but also as a coordinating point for its global activities in general lighting.
“The Asia region accounts for a very high proportion of worldwide sales in this segment and this figure is set to rise to 80 percent by 2020,” he said.
Osram has been in Penang for more than 40 years with more than 5,700 employees. The manufacturing facility produces, assembles and tests LED chips before these are exported.
