EPMB, Hebei Shichang To Set Up RM100 Mln Facility To Make Proton Fuel Tanks

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) has entered into a joint venture (JV) with Beijing-listed fuel systems company Hebei Shichang Auto Parts Co Ltd to set up a RM100 million manufacturing facility focused on advanced fuel tanks for Proton.

In a statement today, EPMB said the JV would support Proton's expansion initiatives and contribute to the development of a highly localised component supply chain in Malaysia, reinforcing the country's ambitions to become a leading regional centre for automotive production and exports.

Following the agreement signing, EP Shichang Automotive Systems Sdn Bhd will be set up to undertake the JV, with EPMB owning 51 per cent and Hebei Shichang 49 per cent.

EPMB said that under Phase 1 of the JV, the partners would develop a plastic fuel tank production facility at its manufacturing hub at Batang Kali, Selangor, which could produce up to 200,000 fuel tanks annually. 

“Following the completion of the facility, it will begin supplying fuel tanks to Proton Tanjung Malim in March 2027,” it said.

EPMB general manager of business development Mohd Seth Sulaiman said the JV would deliver a major upgrade to the company’s existing fuel-tank manufacturing capabilities, to a more advanced technology that meets Proton-Geely’s requirements for domestic and export markets.

"By combining Hebei Shichang’s Chinese technological expertise with our manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities, we are confident in achieving our goals in terms of technology renewal, manufacturing capability and long-term relevance," he said.

-- BERNAMA