BATU KAWAN: Iconic Worldwide Bhd today opened its RM200 million manufacturing facility for gloves and face masks here.
Six double former globe dipping lines have started running at the factory, and by March 2022, a total of 12 double former glove dipping lines and 20 medical face mask production lines will be installed and commissioned. The factory, which is built on a 5.5-acre land, is expected to yield a minimum production capacity of 3.3 billion pieces of gloves and 220 million pieces of disposable face masks per annum.
The factory is designed into being Industrial 4.0 ready, where 80% of its manufacturing processes are automated. The launch of the factory was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The emergence of Covid-19 variants such as Omicron, despite the extensive vaccinations globally, is expected to sustain the demand for gloves and face masks. With the continued surge in demand for quality medical-grade products, Iconic Worldwide executive director James Tan sees a huge opportunity for it to explore.
“While Iconic Worldwide is relatively new in the PPE (personal protective equipment) manufacturing market, our international recognition — including from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — and the overwhelming enquiries from potential customers, makes us one of the leading beneficiaries of this continued demand for PPE,“ Tan said at the factory opening this morning.
Last month, Iconic Worldwide secured a 510 (k) premarket notification approval from the US FDA to distribute its medical-grade gloves throughout the US. With the group already locking in mass orders for its gloves and face masks, predominantly from the US, Europe, Africa and Asia, the factory’s opening puts Iconic Worldwide on the right track to become a major player in the global market within five years.
“Moving forward, we will continue to expand our capacity as we aim to capture more market share from the global demand for PPE, targeting export markets such as the US, Europe, Africa and Middle East.”
Meanwhile, Chow said Penang is seeing a continuous inflow of investment from medical device companies, including players in disposable and electronics-based products.
“The Penang state government is committed to creating an environment that helps companies to integrate technology into their businesses,“ Chow said in his speech.
Penang has one of the highest concentrations of medtech companies in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, with over 50 medical device companies present in the state.
With 50 years of industrial experience, Penang has built a strong base in electrical & electronics manufacturing, which acts as a springboard for diversification into other industries.
More to come