KUALA LUMPUR: Boeing has relaunched its manufacturing facility as Boeing Composites Malaysia which provides composite products and subassemblies for all of its commercial airplane models including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.
Boeing fully acquired Aerospace Composites Malaysia in December last year, a joint venture with Hexcel Corporation.
The renamed facility is Boeing's first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia.
The site employs an all-Malaysian workforce of approximately 1,000 people.
Boeing also announced a RM44,000 higher education grant to the Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (National Youth Skills Institute) in Jitra, Kedah to train 30 students in machining technology and fabrication, while guiding them toward employment possibilities in the aerospace industry.
"Malaysia needs both speed and scale to accelerate manufacturing practices and proactively develop the country's aerospace industry," said Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry secretary general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob.
"The ministry, through MIDA and NAICO Malaysia, is committed in creating an environment that supports rapid industrial growth, particularly in high-value sectors like aerospace.
"I am confident that Boeing has found Malaysia more than capable to support the sophistication required to manufacture quality parts for your global customers," he added.
Boeing Southeast Asia president Penny Burtt said the advanced facility and talented team in Kedah play a vital role in Malaysia's thriving aerospace industry.
"We are honoured to collaborate with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and recognise Boeing Composites Malaysia's exceptional safety and quality record," said Burtt.
Boeing's 77-years partnership with Malaysia supports the development of aerospace and defense capabilities through safety training, sustainability workshops, supply chain development, university collaborations and community impact initiatives.