Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd has invested about RM300 million in a new automotive paint facility in Kulim, Kedah, expanding its manufacturing capabilities and strengthening its position in Malaysia’s automotive supply chain.
The new Paint Shop 3 (PS3), one of Sime’s largest manufacturing investments to date, is built and operated by a fully Malaysian workforce and is aimed at supporting future vehicle programmes, creating employment opportunities and improving Inokom’s competitiveness.
Based on a two-shift operation, PS3 can support up to 50,000 painted vehicle bodies annually at a rate of 15 units per hour. With the addition of the facility, Inokom’s combined paint shop capacity has doubled to 100,000 vehicle bodies a year.
Inokom Director Tan Sri Ben Yeoh said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to local capabilities, technology transfer and the long-term growth of Malaysia’s automotive industry.
He shared that the facility is highly automated, featuring 32 painting and sealant robots, advanced spray booths and an integrated conveyor system. Its Cartridge Bell System can switch colours in under 10 seconds and support up to 27 colour variants.
PS3 was also developed with Mazda’s technical support team, enabling knowledge transfer, training and technical guidance for Inokom employees during installation and commissioning.
On sustainability, the facility uses a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser system that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 60%, alongside a dry scrubber filtration system that eliminates water usage in spray booth operations. It is also designed to support future use of waterborne paint technology.
