ELNA PCB(M) SDN. BHD., a Malaysian printed circuit board (PCBs) subsidiary of Global Brands Manufacture under the Taiwan-based Passive System Alliance (PSA) Group, has on Tuesday announced the opening of its second plant in Penang, Malaysia, with an investment exceeding MYR 1 billion ($230 million).

PSA said in a joint statement with Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and InvestPenang, the five-story PCB manufacturing facility is located adjacent to ELNA’s existing plant and is dedicated to producing highquality advanced PCB.

According to Ian Yang, President of ELNA, the first phase of production will yield 300,000 square feet of PCBs, catering to the automotive, server, network equipment, personal computing, and consumer electronics sectors.

“As the demand for high-quality and advanced PCBs increase, the plant’s full production capacity is expected to reach 1 million square feet in the future,

“The existing facility will continue to manufacture double-sided and multi-layer PCBs, while the new plant will add advanced production capabilities to meet customers’ needs for diversified geographical manufacturing and supply chain flexibility,” he added.

Lance Tao, President of PSA PCB Business Group, commented that the inauguration of the new ELNA plant in Malaysia is a significant milestone for PCB Division.

“PSA is committed to providing one-stop industry-leading solutions for customers worldwide, promising to deliver more diverse and high-quality products and services,” he added.

As the world’s sixth-largest semiconductor exporter, Malaysia accounts for 13 percent of the global assembly, testing and packaging market.

Penang, in particular, stands as a major hub for Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, boasting a well-established industrial ecosystem, a rich talent pool, and a favorable business environment.

ELNA’s decision to build a new PCB plant in Penang is a strategic move that is expected to enhance the region’s electronics manufacturing supply chain, said the statement.

“The completion of ELNA’s new plant marks not only a significant milestone for ELNA but also for Penang, as we continue to strengthen our position as a global leader in the electronic manufacturing sector,

“The construction of this second PCB plant in Malaysia will not only expand production capacity but also transfer advanced manufacturing technology, foster local expertise in cutting-edge PCB technology, and create over 1,000 additional jobs,” said Chow Kon Yeow, Penang Chief Minister.

Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia, said ELNA’s significant MYR 1-billion ($230 million) investment expansion is a clear vote of confidence in Malaysia’s policies to fostering innovation and growth in the semiconductor industry.

“This expansion is well-aligned to our New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), both of which aim to strengthen the industry’s value chain from chip design to wafer fabrication, assembly, and testing,

“ELNA’s expanded investments in Malaysia is poised to be a catalyst for further industry growth and investment, and we are fully committed to providing the required support for their continued success,” he added.

Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said ELNA’s substantial expansion in Penang signifies a strong vote of confidence in Malaysia’s position as a key hub for advanced electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

“ELNA’s investment aligns perfectly with our strategic initiatives to enhance the semiconductor ecosystem, from research and development (R&D) and innovation to full-scale production,

“MIDA is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with ELNA to drive sustainable growth, ensuring that our skilled workforce and supportive ecosystem continue to meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor industr,” he added.

According to the statement, the PSA Group continues its global expansion, with investments in Malaysia, Japan, and other locations through its subsidiaries.

These include Global Brands Manufacture Technology, which is establishing EMS plants in Ipoh; Kamaya Electric, focusing on passive components; and SILITECH Technology, which is setting up innovative integrated design and manufacturing services plants in Penang and Negeri Sembilan.

PSA Group was founded in 1992 with the establishment of its first company Walsin Technology.

Utilizing strategies of industrial value chain integration and resource sharing, PSA Group quickly grew into an expert in electronic component services.

The group comprises ten listed companies and five overseas companies, including Walsin Technology, Prosperity Dielectrics, INPAQ Technology, SILITECH Technology, and Matsuo Electri for passive components; HannStar Board Corporation, Global Brands Manufacture, and Info-Tek Corporation for PCB and EMS services; and Walton Advanced Engineering for memory packaging and testing services.

PSA currently has approximately 36 thousand employees, as well as more than 50 production bases worldwide located in regions such as Taiwan, China, Japan, and Malaysia.

The firm has also established 17 service bases around the world to sell high-quality products, as well as to serve top-tier corporate customers internationally, aiming to provide the best one-stop solutions in the industry for customers in consumer electronics and specialized industrial applications.

ELNA joined PSA Group in 2018 and specializes in the design and manufacturing of printed circuit boards, with plants in Japan and Malaysia.

Its products are widely used in automotive electronics, consumer electronics, communication devices, and industrial control systems.

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