GlobalFoundries, a US-based semiconductor company, has inaugurated a USD1 million (approx. RM4.7 million) factory control tower facility in Penang, claiming it as the world’s first of its kind.
This “remote control tower” facility, spanning 16,000 square feet, allows the company to oversee five of its global factories from an office space in Bayan Baru, with a workforce of approximately 300 technicians and engineers at the helm
Ang Kay Chai, Chief Manufacturing Officer of GlobalFoundries, announced the group’s commitment to invest an additional USD6 million (approx. RM28 million) to USD7 million (approx. RM33 million) over the next five years for training and future expansion, according to FMT.
He revealed that the concept of remote control originated during the height of the pandemic, when engineers managed their factories remotely using tablet computers.
Ang Kay Chai stated that Penang is a dynamic hub at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing innovation, and they aim to tap into the abundant pool of highly skilled talent available here.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow applauded GlobalFoundries for establishing this facility in the state, emphasising that it would enhance the region’s standing in the chip industry, projected to reach USD1 trillion (approx. RM4.7 trillion) by 2030.
He highlighted that despite temporary market disruptions and a slowdown in the consumer market, Penang still contributed 55% to 60% of Malaysia’s electrical and electronics exports last year, achieving an all-time high of RM463 billion in total exports in 2022.
Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang, expressed optimism that having the world’s inaugural remote control facility in Penang would attract more semiconductor companies to establish their operations in the state.
She believed that GlobalFoundries’ presence would aid in achieving the national goal of capturing a 15% market share in the semiconductor and electronics industry by 2030, up from the current 13%.
GlobalFoundries currently operates manufacturing fabrication plants in Malta, New York, Vermont, and Germany, and recently inaugurated a USD4 billion (approx. RM19 billion) manufacturing plant in Singapore.
