KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — Proton Holdings Bhd's (Proton) state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) production plant is set to start production in September.
Located in the high-tech Tanjung Malim compound in Perak, the plant is now 90.4 per cent complete and equipment installation is at 83.5 per cent, with overall progress at 86.9 per cent.
Once completed, the new plant would produce multiple models from the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, Proton said in a statement today.
Production will kick off with the Proton e.MAS 7, the first-ever EV from a Malaysian automotive brand, followed by the Proton e.MAS 5, Malaysia’s most anticipated entry-level EV, which is currently being showcased to the public on a nationwide tour.
From an initial planned capacity of 20,000 units, the plant could ramp up production to 45,000 units per annum, based on sales demand in Malaysia and overseas markets.
To support the ramp-up before launch, the plant’s immediate hiring focus is on critical operational and technical roles.
To-date, it has hired 30 non-executives, aiming to fully train these key personnel before the full-scale production begins mid-September.
The plant would eventually lead to the creation of over 200 new jobs, specialising in EV industrialisation and technical services.
Meanwhile, as part of its partnership with Proton, the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) has provided technical guidance on production systems, helped with equipment selection, and deployed experts to assist with installation and trial runs.
Geely has also facilitated overseas training for Proton staff and ensured that the plant aligns with global EV manufacturing standards.
Proton's head of Manufacturing Engineering, Wan Yousry Mohamed said the plant is a symbol of Proton’s transformation and the group’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable, high-tech future.
“We are also laying the foundation for Malaysia’s leadership in the regional EV landscape by strategically expanding our EV offerings into new overseas markets.
“This is a monumental step for the company and for the nation, and we are excited to see our first Malaysian-made EVs to roll off the line and onto our roads," he said.
