Mattel Malaysia (MMSB) commemorated its 40th anniversary in Malaysia with the announcement of a plant expansion, expected to be completed in January 2023. The world’s largest Hot Wheels manufacturing plant, MMSB is also the world’s only manufacturer of Hot Wheels singles, the top-selling toy globally in 2021. The plant has a current average output capacity of approximately 9.0M cars per week. This targeted, strategic investment is in line with Mattel’s Capital Light strategy to increase manufacturing capacity, improve productivity, and leverage technological capabilities while reducing cost and enhancing operational efficiencies. The plant expansion will support Hot Wheels’ growth with an expected 20% increase in production capacity by 2025.
Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, stated, “This is a strong indication of the state’s efforts and commitment to developing a welcoming environment for industry players and positioning the state at the forefront of industrialisation.” He added, “Throughout the years, Mattel has also succeeded in developing a thriving ecosystem for the toy industry in the Perai Free Trade Zone, across industries. It is heartening to see the positive spill over effects that Mattel has brought to the homegrown companies.”
In conjunction with Mattel’s continued investment and commitment to its Malaysian operations, Steve Totzke, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Mattel, announced that Hot Wheels will be collaborating with PROTON, Malaysia’s iconic national automotive brand, to produce a 1:64 scale model of a Proton SAGA, the first model manufactured by PROTON. This new Hot Wheels model is expected to start shipping and be sold worldwide by the end 2023. This timely and meaningful partnership epitomizes both brands’ proud legacy in Malaysia.
