MKS opens Supercenter Factory in Penang, strengthening Malaysia’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem

• New facility strengthens Malaysia’s role in the global semiconductor manufacturing value chain
• US$94 mil investment and 1,000 jobs to support growing global demand for wafer fabrication equipment

MKS Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies, has opened its MKS Supercenter Factory in Penang, Malaysia. Located on a 17-acre site with approximately 350,000 sq ft of built-up space, the facility will support growing global demand for wafer fabrication equipment.

Developed in multiple phases, the project’s first phase is now complete. Upon completion of all phases, the Supercenter Factory is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs and represent a strategic investment of over US$94 million (RM400 million), reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for high-value, technology-driven investments aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Anwar Ibrahim, prime minister of Malaysia, and attended by representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), InvestPenang and other government agencies. The milestone underscores Malaysia’s growing role in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation.

Chow Kon Yeow, chief minister of Penang, said the facility marks another milestone in the state’s evolution as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation.

“MKS’s Supercenter Factory represents a significant milestone in Penang’s continued evolution as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation, aligning with the NIMP 2030 and National Semiconductor Strategy. This investment underscores the state’s strong value proposition — from a highly skilled talent pool to a well-established industrial ecosystem and robust infrastructure that supports high-tech manufacturing,” he said.

“MKS’s presence here complements our ambition to move further up the semiconductor value chain, and we are proud to support the company’s continued growth in Penang,” he added.

Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA, said the investment reflects the growing shift towards higher-value manufacturing and technology-driven activities in Malaysia.

“The machinery and equipment industry recorded US$824 million (RM3.5 billion) in approved investments in the first quarter of 2026, reaffirming its position as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s manufacturing landscape. Beyond its scale, this project will deepen domestic supply chain capabilities, strengthen industry-academia collaboration in talent development and create greater opportunities for Malaysian companies to participate in higher-value activities,” he said.

“In line with the aspirations of the NIMP 2030, investments such as this are instrumental in generating quality jobs, accelerating industrial upgrading and delivering broader economic benefits for the people,” he added.

Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang, said the investment highlights Penang’s attractiveness as a location for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related activities.

“We are proud to support MKS in this journey and look forward to the long-term economic and technological benefits this facility will bring to Penang and Malaysia,” she said.

Meanwhile, John T.C. Lee, president and CEO of MKS, said the new facility reflects the strength of Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem and talent base.

“The opening of our Supercenter Factory in Penang reflects the strength of Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem, the depth of local talent and our shared commitment to innovation.

“This new facility brings us closer to our customers and partners, enhancing our ability to deliver advanced semiconductor manufacturing solutions while contributing to progress across the global value chain. We are deeply appreciative of the continued support from MIDA and the Malaysian government throughout our investment journey,” he said.

The opening celebration highlighted the facility’s capabilities and recognised the partnership between MKS, MIDA and InvestPenang. The investment reinforces Malaysia’s strategic role in the global semiconductor ecosystem while supporting supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing capabilities and long-term industrial growth.