KLUANG: Guocera Sdn Bhd unveiled its new Industry 4.0 facility in Kluang, marking one of the most significant investments in Malaysia’s ceramic industry in recent years. Backed by a total investment of RM420mil since 2022, the state-of-the-art facility nearly doubles Guocera’s production capacity while positioning the company as Malaysia’s first manufacturer of large-format porcelain slabs. The event was officiated by Hong Leong Industries Bhd group managing director Prof Jim Khor.
The strategic expansion reduces reliance on imported premium ceramic surfaces, reinforces local supply chains and boosts Malaysia’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem through automation, digitalisation, technology transfer and high-skilled employment.
The new plant nearly doubles Guocera’s production capacity while reducing reliance on imported premium ceramic surfaces and strengthening Malaysia’s capability to produce world-class architectural materials locally.
Through a strategic collaboration with leading Italian machinery specialist SITI B&T, Guocera has successfully transferred cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and production know-how to Malaysia. This enables locally manufactured products to achieve international standards in quality, precision, aesthetics and performance, allowing Malaysian-made ceramic products to compete confidently alongside established global brands.
With the commissioning of the new IR4.0 facility, Guocera's annual production capacity increases from 6.0 million sq m to 13.5 million sq m, enabling the company to better serve growing demand across Malaysia and regional export markets. Beyond increased capacity, the investment creates more than 100 new high-value jobs, including engineers, automation specialists, technicians and skilled manufacturing professionals, further strengthening Malaysia's advanced manufacturing workforce.
Guocera managing director Sally Cheng said that commissioning represents far more than the opening of a new factory. It reflects our confidence in Malaysia’s manufacturing and our commitment to continuously raising the benchmark for the local ceramic industry.
She added: “Guided by our theme, Igniting the Future, Standard Starts Here, we are transforming the way ceramic products are designed, manufactured and delivered through automation, digitalisation and world-class technology. By bringing advanced Italian manufacturing expertise to Malaysia, we are enabling locally made products to compete with the very best in the world while creating higher-value jobs, strengthening local capabilities and contributing to the nation's industrial competitiveness."
Guocera’s new Kluang facility boosts annual production capacity from 6.0 million sq m to 13.5 million sq m for domestic and export markets, creating over 100 high-value technical and engineering jobs. It will also feature Malaysia’s first dedicated line for premium 120cm by 240cm large-format porcelain slabs, the plant provides local designers with high-end surfaces while boosting national self-sufficiency in premium building materials.
Stay ahead of the crowd and enjoy fresh insights on real estate, property development and lifestyle trends when you subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
