Schott has inaugurated a glass processing plant in Kulim, in the State of Kedah, Malaysia.

The milestone was celebrated with employees, customers, and representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

The plant was completed in less than 12 months.

It will expand Schott’s production capabilities in Malaysia, complementing its presence in Penang, where the company has been operating for 50 years.

The facility is expected to create approximately 400 engineering and production jobs.

The site will enhance Schott’s capacity to supply optical components to international high-tech industries, including Augmented Reality (AR).

The facility will process (raw) optical glass into the base material for Schott's speciality glass products.

Schott Board Member Dr Andrea Frenzel and Schott CFO Marcus Knöbel inaugurated the site in a ceremony attended by over 1,300 Schott Glass Malaysia employees (see below).

The opening ceremony took place on September 26. [Photo: Schott]

Dr Frenzel said: "This is a great achievement for Schott. Half a century ago, Schott established our first production site in Asia, right here in Penang. Today, we are very thrilled to continue this journey by expanding and strengthening our presence in Malaysia."

The Penang site manufactures optical components and speciality materials, including glass wafers and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) packaging for the semiconductor market.