German industrial automation leader Sick AG is making a major move by investing nearly RM1 billion in Johor via its local company, Sick Sdn Bhd, to build a high-tech manufacturing hub in Senai Airport City.
This investment marks a significant expansion of Sick AG’s footprint in Southeast Asia, aiming to strengthen its manufacturing and automation capabilities in the region.
Johor offers Sick AG the perfect foundation to increase its manufacturing capacity and better service the local market because of its strategic position and industrial growth. This expansion is anticipated to benefit the company’s cutting-edge sensor technology and automation solutions, which would help Malaysia’s high-tech manufacturing sector thrive.
The 10-hectare project, which will start with RM280 million in Phase 1 by 2026, would concentrate on cutting-edge sensor technology for international automation markets.
One of Johor’s most high-impact initiatives to date where 2,500 highly skilled jobs are expected to be created.
The state government sees the investment as a vote of confidence in Johor’s industrial environment, according to Lee Ting Han, chairman of the Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs, and Human Resources committee.
Additionally, he said, it symbolises Johor’s aspirations to become Southeast Asia’s premier centre for smart manufacturing.
“This is not just an investment, it’s a long-term partnership that aligns with Johor’s strategy to future-proof our economy through innovation, talent development and Industry 4.0 readiness,” he stated following yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony.
Additionally, the initiative will strengthen ties between business and academia, as Sick AG’s plans to work with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on research and development as well as talent development.
The programme is consistent with the Johor Talent Development Council’s efforts to match high-value industries with educational courses.
The Kulai and Johor Fast Lane initiatives’ reduced procedures benefited the facility, which is situated in one of the most effectively run industrial parks in the nation.
Additionally, it is ideally situated within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), a cross-border project designed to improve connectivity, the effectiveness of customs, and investment driven by innovation.
Lee applauded the federal government’s quick diplomatic and policy reaction but noted that Sick AG’s growth came at a period of uncertainties in international trade, including new tariffs from the United States.
According to him, the state is certain that programs like the JS-SEZ can mitigate challenges and increase Johor’s attractiveness as a location for tech production.
Since 2010, Sick AG has operated in Johor, employing 450 Malaysians.
