German life science company Eppendorf Group will invest about RM180 million to build its first manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia at Bandar Cassia Technology Park in Penang, Buletin Mutiara reported.
The investment was formalised through a lease agreement between Eppendorf and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), The Star reported. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and InvestPenang CEO Datuk Seri Loo Lee Lian witnessed the signing between PDC CEO Abdul Latiff Abdul Aziz and Eppendorf Group CEO Dr Christine Munz at Komtar.
The greenfield facility will produce selected products from Eppendorf’s centrifuges and instruments portfolio, including centrifuges, mixers and cyclers used in laboratories for research, diagnostics, pharmaceutical production and quality assurance.
Eppendorf, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, employs about 4,100 people across 30 countries. The company has operated its Southeast Asian regional hub in Kuala Lumpur since 1995.
Construction represents a total investment of approximately 40 million euros, with production expected to begin progressively during the ramp-up phase in 2028. The facility is projected to create around 130 jobs by the end of 2029, with further employment opportunities anticipated as operations expand.
The planned new production site in Penang is a further clear and confident commitment to the country, its people and its industrial capabilities, Dr Christine said during the ceremony.
Chow said the investment reflects the continued confidence that global industry leaders have in Penang’s growing industrial base. He noted that Penang recorded RM2.3 billion in approved investments in the scientific and measuring equipment sector between 2021 and early 2026.
Chow said Penang welcomes Eppendorf to explore opportunities with local companies through the Penang ATE Campus in technology development, localisation, supplier development and supply chain strengthening.
