RM300mil paint shop puts Inokom in pole position for automotive growth

Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd has bolstered its manufacturing prowess with the inauguration of Paint Shop 3 (PS3), a RM300 million venture designed to elevate production capacity, foster technology transfer, and promote sustainable automotive manufacturing in Malaysia. Announced by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani on Tuesday, PS3 is among Sime's most substantial manufacturing investments to date, and it operates exclusively with a Malaysian workforce.

The state-of-the-art facility boasts the capacity to produce up to 50,000 painted vehicle bodies on a dual-shift basis, thereby augmenting Inokom's overall paint-shop throughput to 100,000 units per annum. Moreover, it is equipped to paint plastic components and is versatile enough to accommodate multiple vehicle models, conferring greater agility to respond to market demands and upcoming projects.

Tan Sri Ben Yeoh, Inokom's director, remarked that Inokom's trajectory has been in sync with the National Automotive Policy. As part of this policy's fruition, Inokom has matured into a dependable manufacturing ally for global automotive brands. PS3 is a testament to Inokom's resolute dedication to investing in local capabilities, disseminating technology, and propelling the future expansion of Malaysia's automotive sector.

Automation lies at the core of PS3, featuring 32 painting and sealant robots, a fully automated pre-treatment and electrodeposition line, advanced spray booths, and an integrated conveyor system. Its Cartridge Bell System facilitates colour changes within a span of less than 10 seconds and supports up to 27 colour variants, thereby enhancing efficiency and diminishing downtime.

PS3 is a considerable upgrade to Inokom's manufacturing infrastructure. It broadens painting capacity, heightens production flexibility, and fortifies Inokom's aptitude to cater to the evolving needs of its clientele, according to Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, the managing director of Sime Motors' assembly and strategic businesses.

The facility is conceived with sustainability in mind. It houses a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser system that slashes CO₂ emissions by roughly 60 percent, while its dry scrubber neutralizes water usage in spray-booth operations. The facility is also equipped for waterborne paint technology. Inokom's partnership with Mazda's technical team has further bolstered knowledge transfer, training, and engineering expertise.

This bolsters Inokom's capabilities and aids Malaysia in its pursuit for a more advanced and sustainable automotive manufacturing ecosystem.