ALOR STAR: Global aerospace company Boeing is committed to developing Malaysia's aerospace industry ecosystem to tap the growing demand in the country and Southeast Asia.
Boeing Southeast Asia president Penny Burtt said the company's footprint expansion in this country was timely as Malaysia was a crucial part of Boeing's global supply chain.
"It is a very timely move for Boeing. We see the long-term potential for the aerospace industry in Malaysia and contributing towards developing the whole ecosystem here.
"Malaysia is a crucial part of the Boeing global supply chain with the growing demand in Southeast Asia.
"Our 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 (MIDA) and recognise Boeing Composites Malaysia's exceptional safety and quality record," she said after the relaunching of its manufacturing facility, Boeing Composites Malaysia (BCM) in the Bukit Kayu Hitam Industrial Area today.
The facility is Boeing's first wholly-owned manufacturing facility in Malaysia and the Southeast Asia region, following the acquisition of shares in Aerospace Composites Malaysia Sdn Bhd (ACM) held by Hexcel Corp, last December.
Present were Kedah Investment and Industry Committee chairman Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah, United States ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) secretary-general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob and MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid.
During the ceremony, Boeing also announced a RM44,000 education grant to Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara in Jitra, to train 30 students in machining technology and fabrication, while guiding them toward employment possibilities in the aerospace industry.
In December 2023, Boeing fully acquired ACM, a joint venture with Hexcel Corporation.
The renamed Boeing Composites Malaysia facility provides composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplane models, including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.
The site employs an all-Malaysian workforce of approximately 1,000 people.
Hairil Yahri expressed appreciation to Boeing for its commitment to Malaysia.
"Malaysia needs both speed and scale to accelerate manufacturing practices and proactively develop the country's aerospace industry.
"MITI, through MIDA and NAICO Malaysia, is committed to creating an environment that supports rapid industrial growth, particularly in high-value sectors like aerospace. We are grateful for Boeing's commitment to Malaysia," he said.
Sikh Shamsul, meanwhile, said this was a strong testament to Malaysia's skilled workforce and its strategic position in the aerospace industry.
"MIDA is fully committed to supporting Boeing Composites Malaysia's continued success in the global aerospace supply chain."
Meanwhile, Kagan lauded Boeing's commitment to a long-term investment in Malaysia as a significant sign of the American-based company in the country and its workforce.
"For us this is a very significant event. It is significant because this is a sign of Boeing's confidence in Malaysia, by expanding their presence in various parts of the country.
"This is their biggest manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia and Boeing employs some 1,000 local talents, and they have proven themselves as a very capable workforce in moving up the value chain," he said.