Toyota Boshoku opens second plant in Malaysia
Toyota Boshoku UMW Sdn Bhd (TBU) has opened its second plant today, a new 3,000m2 facility built at a cost of RM8 million. TBU is a joint-venture company setup by Toyota Boshoku Japan and UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), and the new plant is part of UMWT’s commitment to invest RM1 billion in its facilities for three years until 2013.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the new plant, En. Ismet Suki, UMW Toyota Motor’s President said, “Toyota Boshoku UMW (TBU) was established more than 25 years ago in 1985. Previously named Seat Industries (M) Sdn Bhd, TBU plant 1 started its operations at ASSB manufacturing facility, assembling seats for Corolla and later assembling seats for other Toyota models.”
TBU currently makes seats, door trims and interior parts for Toyota’s line-up of CKD vehicles rolling out from Assembly Services Sdn Bhd’s (ASSB) plant in Shah Alam. In addition, TBU also supplies components to Hino commercial vehicles and has another plant in Pekan, Pahang, assembling seats for the Suzuki Swift.
Speaking on TBU’s growth in recent years, En Ismet noted that, “Since 2004, the sales revenue has grown from RM 121 million to RM 186 million in 2010. For this year, we are confident to maintain our sales target of more than RM 180 million.”
This new plant was also established to accommodate the introduction of the New Camry CKD project and to improve remaining processes at TBU plant 1 namely logistics, frame welding, door trim and seat assembly. It will focus on the sewing and cutting operations and will be responsible for making the new Camry’s rear speaker board.
Plant operations and processes are designed based on the Toyota Production System, and a huge emphasis is placed on maintaining a ‘Zero Accident’ policy based on Toyota Boshoku guidelines. Measures at creating an improved working environment include standardized material racking and lightings to ensure better visual and water curtain system for better ventilation.
Pictures: Official UMWT release.
