Oji officially opened its new state-of-the-art plant with an investment of RM40 million in Banting, Selangor, Malaysia. The Banting plant is fitted with the latest state-of-the-art technology and will produce quality disposable diapers and deliver timely orders to targeted markets across the South East Asia markets.
The grand opening was launched together by Mr. Kohei Nakamura, Counsellor, Japanese Embassy, Mr. Naoki Nishida, the Vice President of Japanese Chamber Industry, Mr Susumu Yajima, President and Co-CEO, Oji Holdings Corporation and Mr Michael Chew, Managing Director, Oji Asia Household Product.
According to Mr. Susumu Yajima, the company’s latest world class manufacturing plant serves as a catalyst for Oji’s household and consumer product growth strategy. The Malaysian plant will strengthen its existing business in core markets and increasing growth in developing and emerging markets.
“We are proud to officially open Oji Asia Household Product Sdn Bhd in Banting. It is a key milestone in Oji’s strategy to push ‘Beyond The Boundaries’ and become a global household & consumer products player, to support the company’s growth in the South East Asia region,” he shared.
Mr. Susumu Yajima added, “The manufacturing plant in Banting is a strategic investment that will equip Oji with sufficient supply, readiness and flexibility to meet the growing demand around the region. The advanced technology employed will enable us to efficiently produce and deliver high-quality disposable diapers for Malaysia and to the South East Asia consumers.”
According to Mr. Susumu Yajima, Oji chose Malaysia due to its business and manufacturing friendly environment. The availability of labour, input materials for operation, logistics and freight services to the Asia Pacific region were other determining factors.
“The Banting plant reflects the importance of the Malaysian market as a key pillar of Oji’s operations in Asia. With the investment of RM40 million, the plant will create new job opportunities for Malaysians,” Mr. Susumu Yajima added.
Meanwhile, Michael Chew pointed out that Oji’s investment in Banting will benefit Selangor. The plant will also contribute towards strengthening the economic partnership between Japan and Malaysia.
“Oji’s investment is reflective of the private sector’s continued support for the Government’s vision of driving employment and opportunities for Malaysia. It showcases Selangor as a state that is booming with great investment opportunities and potential economic growth that would contribute to Malaysia’s gross domestic product”, added Mr Michael Chew.
Commercial operations commenced in March 2016, with the Oji Asia Household Product Sdn Bhd introducing the Genki! brand in May 2016. Oji identifies disposable diapers as being a core business and the group aims to create a household brand among consumers in Malaysia and Asean with strong product branding, distribution network and quality products with technology from Japan.
