THE Elektrisola Group is a world leader in the production of high quality, fine and ultra-fine enamelled copper wires, which are integral to a wide spectrum of industries, ranging from automotive to industrial electronics and handphones to watches, all of which have very specific requirements.
The diameters of these fine wires range between 0.010mm and 0.50mm. A 0.01mm wire is eight times finer than a human hair.
This unique technology was developed by Dr Gerd Schildbach in Eckenhagen, Germany, where Elektrisola was founded in 1948.
Elektrisola Malaysia, the first Elektrisola factory in Asia, was established in 1990 to support the fast-growing Asian market. The short distance between the place of production and Asian customers allowed for fast transportation times and more flexible and shorter lead times.
The factory, situated in the midst of the lush green surroundings of Janda Baik, Pahang, has since grown to become the world’s largest production facility of ultra-fine enamelled copper wires.
Besides copper wires, it also produces other products, such as litz wires. Approximately 90 per cent of Elektrisola Malaysia sales are exported to customers in Asia, Europe and South America.
Datuk Thilo J. Westerhausen, managing director of Elektrisola Malaysia, says the phenomenal growth of the company has been facilitated and supported by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Pahang government.
“We have invested RM650 million over the last 25 years to grow the business. Working closely with MIDA and the state government since its inception has been an important factor of our success,” he says.
Elektrisola Malaysia’s success story can also be attributed to the commitment of its dedicated local workforce. The company produces more than 1,000 jobs, mostly for the people of Janda Baik and those living further afield in Pahang. To maximise the potential of their workforce, Elektrisola strongly believes in continuous training and development of their human resources. Five per cent of Elektrisola’s annual payroll is allocated for in-house as well as overseas training.
In recognition of the staff’s contribution to the success of Elektrisola, Westerhausen ensures that the company plays an active role in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the local community. A well-known community service initiated by Elektrisola is its volunteer fire services and ambulance squad. As Janda Baik is quite remote, the ambulance squad and the fire service team, comprising volunteers from staff and villagers, are usually the first to respond during local emergencies.
Westerhausen says the voluntary team regularly undergoes training sessions with full-time firemen from the district Fire and Rescue Department.
“We now have two fire trucks equipped with all fire fighting and rescue tools, and the ambulance caters to emergency needs. Our team, which is usually among the first to reach the scene, is also deployed in a crisis or accidents along the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway.”
In addition to responding to crises, Westerhausen says the voluntary firemen also conduct fire drills and safety inspections on seven tahfiz (religious) schools in Janda Baik and Bukit Tinggi to ensure that the deadly fire that occurred at a religious school in Kuala Lumpur last year would not occur in their community.
“All the school’s premises are under Elektrisola’s supervision, and the volunteers regularly conduct talks on fire-fighting efforts and safe evacuation techniques. The students are also given training for basic fire-fighting skills.”
To foster a warm family environment in the company, many social events organised for the staff and their families throughout the year.
The responsibilities of working mothers are also taken into consideration by the provision of child care at the Elektrisola Taska Childcare Centre, which was set up in 1996. Currently, around 100 children, aged between two months and eight years, attend the centre, which includes half-day after-school care service.
Westerhausen says: “The kindergarten and daycare centre, which adopts English as a medium of communication, has 15 full-time staff who care for the children of our employees between 7.30am and 5.30pm.
“The kindergarten adheres to the standards set by the Welfare Department. There is also a clinic at the residential area, which is staffed by a full-time industrial nurse and visiting doctor. The clinic not only caters to Elektrisola staff, but also residents of nearby villages.”
Besides providing welfare facilities for staff and the local community, Elektrisola has always prioritised the safeguarding of the environment by ensuring zero pollution and by working closely with the residents of Janda Baik and the Department of Environment to conduct gotong-royong programmes to promote and maintain a green and healthy environment.
“The programmes include 3K (Cleanliness, Health and Safety) campaigns conducted in three local schools to encourage cleanliness and healthy living, and an appreciation for the natural environment,” says Westerhausen.
Elektrisola also organises the annual Earth Day programme with the participation of the Janda Baik community and government agencies.
Elektrisola, an exemplary corporate citizen nestled in the heart of a tiny kampung in Janda Baik, has not only become a commercial success, but has also made a positive impact for those living in Janda Baik and the surrounding areas by improving the quality of their lives and fostering a friendly and close-knit community.