Bosch's Penang plant to create 2,000 jobs

The decision by the Bosch group to invest RM2.2 billion in a new fully integrated photovoltaic manufacturing plant in Penang will generate 2,000 new jobs, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said today.

He said Bosch Solar Energy AG's plan to set up a plant for monocrystalline solar cell manufacturing – comprising ingot, wafer, cells and modules "reflected the confidence investors have in the Malaysian economy."

They also recognise Malaysia's ability to offer a pool of highly-skilled and qualified workers capable of undertaking high value manufacturing in the electrical and electronics industry," he said in a statement.

Mustapa also expressed confidence that Malaysia's foreign direct investment (FDIs) this year would exceed RM30 billion compared with RM29.3 billion last year based on first quarter FDIs totalling RM11 billion and with more foreign
investors keen to invest in Malaysia coupled with MITI's success in its trade and investment missions abroad.


German companies have been one of Malaysia's major source of foreign investment with realised investments, as of December 31, 2010, totalling RM18.3 billion spread over 339 projects.

Most of these investments are in the electrical and electronics industry, chemicals and petroleum products, machinery and equipment.

"This investment decision by Bosch adds to this illustrious list of high value projects which we in Malaysia warmly welcome," he said.

Robert Bosch began its presence in Malaysia in 1923 as a trader, and began manufacturing activities in Penang in 1977.

The group now has four companies undertaking sales, distribution and manufacturing activities.

Last year, the Bosch group in Malaysia generated sales of 130 million euros and employed 2,300 people.

The decision by the Bosch group to invest in this photovoltaic plant is particularly welcomed because it was in tandem with Malaysia's plan to engage more actively in high value, technology intensive industries related to new and renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, nanotechnology and advanced machinery and equipment.

"We have already been successful in attracting a number of other leading solar photovoltaic manufacturers who have located their operations here. Total investment approved for the solar photovoltaic industry, as at March 2011, was RM14.3 billion."

"Malaysia is currently ranked fifth in the world interms of solar megawatt output, and we expect it will not be too long before we will be positioned 3rd in this ranking," he said.

Bosch's presence will indeed help spur the development of the solar energy industry in Malaysia, he added. -- Bernama