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The new facility will serve as a hub for research and development (R&D), manufacturing and distribution of furniture fittings, catering to global customers’ demands

March 5, 2024 – Actiforce, a global leader in the furniture components industry originating from the Netherlands, has officially achieved a new milestone in Malaysia with the opening of its new state-of-the-art plant in Penang. The high-technology facility stands as a testament to Actiforce’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continued growth. The RM50 million manufacturing facility will be instrumental in the comprehensive production of integrated furnishing tools for ergonomic furniture designs and solutions, with a focus on using the finest raw materials, ensuring product quality control and meeting distribution targets.

Actiforce has been elevating work spaces since 2004, catering to international markets while constantly improving processes for sustainable manufacturing to meet customers’ demands in lifestyle improvement. As part of Germany’s Hettich Group, one of the world’s largest and most successful manufacturers of furniture fittings, Actiforce will be able to benefit from the Group’s extensive worldwide network. ‘Hardware manufacturer’, Hettich Group develops and produces innovative functional fittings and convertible platforms – from drawer and runner systems to hinges and foldings, and sliding door systems, combining intelligent technology, multifunctionality, comfort and design for homes, offices, industry, hospitality, education and healthcare needs.

Actiforce’s new plant will serve as the hub for R&D, manufacturing and distribution of furniture fittings to cater to international markets, namely Europe and The United States of America. It will be instrumental in Actiforce’s global expansion. The move to consolidate manufacturing capabilities in one area, creating a comprehensive one-stop centre, exemplifies Actiforce’s commitment to lean manufacturing and delivering better value to customers. The company aims to enhance the local economy, generate employment opportunities for the local community, and solidify its position as a key contributor to regional prosperity.

Actiforce is committed to smart manufacturing practices with its state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology and cutting-edge machinery. Investments in special robotic welding and Trumpf machines are designed to revolutionise manufacturing processes, ensuring precision, speed, and adaptability. This will enable Actiforce to enhance productivity, reduce wastage, prioritise sustainability and workplace safety in an effort to manufacture exceptional and efficient products that are industry-relevant, and that distinguish itself in the market.

YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang stated, “Often lauded for its well-developed industrial ecosystem, Penang is proud to host Actiforce as the State continues to showcase its capacities and capabilities to support the needs of industrial players in next-generation technologies and growth strategies. I am optimistic that Actiforce will continue to reap many benefits from its operation in Penang, the Silicon Valley of the East.”

Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) underscores Actiforce Mechatronic Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.’s commitment to Malaysia’s industry supply chain stating, “The Government affirms Actiforce’s confidence in Malaysia’s furniture parts and fittings sector, recognising its potential to meet global demand. The presence of premium components and skilled expertise not only enhances the nation’s competitiveness in furniture manufacturing but also stimulates growth across the value chain of various industries and consumer products.”

“The nation proudly boasting 2,600 established projects in fabricated metal-based products with investments over RM40 billion and supported by 170,000 skilled workforce to welcome more global manufacturers, like Actiforce leverage on Malaysia’s robust industrial ecosystem. With the increasing technological development and advancement of high-quality components by companies like Actiforce, Malaysia’s position as a global supply chain and distribution hub is further solidified,” he added.

The opening of the new plant will pave the way towards creating employment opportunities for local talents across various categories. Currently, Actiforce has over 50 high-quality talents. As the business expands, the workforce is expected to triple with job opportunities for a broader range of specialists and generalists. In addition to creating jobs, Actiforce is committed to equipping talents with the right skills as they immerse themselves in new technologies, and comprehensive training programmes in specialised fabricated tools. Experts and specialists from Hettich headquarters are also ready to guide and upskill the local talents. Actiforce has allocated 2,000 hours of employee training by German experts to introduce these new technologies. This reflects Actiforce’s commitment to not just create jobs but also invest in relevant programmes to boost their skills and expertise across different roles throughout the organisation.

The new state-of-the-art facility located at Bukit Minyak Industrial area, spans approximately 13,300 sq ft. Actiforce projects that the new plant will generate a revenue of RM148 million for the year 2024, with 99% contributing to the export market.

Mr. Harry Slingerland, the Chief Financial Officer of Actiforce commented, “We are thrilled to inaugurate our new facility in Penang, a significant milestone in our journey of global expansion. This state-of-the-art facility reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering unparalleled quality in our products and services. Penang has proven to be an ideal location for Actiforce due to its strategic positioning, skilled workforce, and the supportive business environment provided by the local community and government. We are excited about the opportunities that this facility will bring, not only for Actiforce but also for the Malaysian economy.

“We appreciate our working relationship with MIDA and the Penang State government. Their invaluable support has paved the way for our growth, and we eagerly anticipate a fruitful and lasting business partnership as Actiforce extends its footprint in Penang,” concluded Mr. Slingerland.

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About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About InvestPenang
InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realize its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention) and i4.0 seed fund (a catalyst for the startup ecosystem). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook ; LinkedIn.

About Actiforce:
Actiforce Factory is our state-of-the-art manufacturing division located in Penang, Malaysia. The factory is responsible for the entire production process, from purchasing raw materials to product quality control to distribution. Since 2004, Actiforce has manufactured for all our international markets, creating a movement that provides solutions with constant focus and improvement on the processes for a more sustainable manufacturing to ensure we live up to people´s expectations and demands of a good partner for a better lifestyle. [www.actiforce.com]

Part of something bigger:
Actiforce is part of one of the world’s largest and most successful manufacturers of furniture fittings, Hettich [www.hettich.com], founded in 1888 with more than 8,000 employees in almost 80 countries. We work together towards the goal of developing intelligent technology for furniture.

The new facility in Penang marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, solidifying its position as a key player in the global marketplace.

For more information, please contact,

MIDA
Manjit Kaur Balkar Singh
Director, Food Technology & Resource Based Industries
+603-2267 3509 | manjit@mida.gov.my

InvestPenang
Elaine Cheah / Arief Ferdaus
Communication & Business Intelligence
elaine@investpenang.gov.my / arief@investpenang.gov.my

Actiforce
Michael Woedd
Global Marketing Director
mw@actiforce.com