since 1976
since 1976
Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (Inokom) marked a significant milestone with the launch of a new painting facility, Paint Shop 3 (PS3) by YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing capabilities and sustainable long-term growth.
PS3 is one of Sime’s largest manufacturing investments to date, at approximately RM300 million. Built and operated by a 100% Malaysian workforce, PS3 reflects Sime’s confidence in the regional automotive industry and in local capabilities. The investment is aimed at positioning Inokom as the manufacturing partner of choice for local and regional automotive ecosystems, while creating employment opportunities and enhancing competitiveness.
“Inokom has evolved alongside Malaysia's National Automotive Policy. From our beginnings as part of the nation's automotive development ambitions, we have grown into a trusted manufacturing partner for global automotive brands. Paint Shop 3 reflects our continued commitment to investing in local capabilities, technology transfer and the future growth of Malaysia's automotive industry," said Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Director of Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd.
“PS3 is a significant enhancement to Inokom’s manufacturing ecosystem. The facility expands our painting capacity, increases production flexibility and strengthens our ability to support the evolving requirements of our customers. Designed with advanced automation, future waterborne paint readiness and sustainability features, PS3 positions Inokom to support future vehicle programmes while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Sime Motors’ Assembly and Strategic Businesses.
The project has also enabled valuable knowledge and technology transfer through close collaboration with Mazda's technical support team and engineering specialists, further strengthening Inokom's capabilities and readiness to support the future development of Malaysia's automotive industry.
Expanded Capacity to Support Market Growth
PS3 adds substantial production capability to Inokom’s operations. Based on a two-shift operation, the facility is designed to support up to 50,000 painted vehicle bodies per year, at a rate of 15 units per hour coupled with capability of plastic parts painting.
With the addition of PS3, total combined paint shop capacity at Inokom has increased to 100,000 painted vehicle bodies per annum. The facility supports multiple car models, offering the flexibility to scale production volumes and accommodate future requirements. This expansion enhances Inokom’s readiness to meet growing market demand while maintaining high quality and operational standards.
Automation Driven Quality and Efficiency
Most of PS3’s operations are automated, anchored by a fully automated pre-treatment and electrodeposition (PTED) line, advanced spray booths and an integrated conveyor system. The facility is equipped with 32 painting and sealant robots, enabling consistent, high precision paint application across exterior and interior surfaces as well as plastic components.
Key automation features include a Cartridge Bell System (CBS) that enables rapid colour changes in under 10 seconds and supports up to 27 colour variants, reducing downtime and improving operational flexibility. The high level of automation also enhances worker safety, minimises material waste and ensures uniform paint quality across higher production volumes.
PS3 also incorporates an energy-efficient three-coat, one-bake painting process, which enables three coating layers to be applied with a single baking cycle. This reduces energy consumption, shortens processing time and supports more sustainable manufacturing operations while maintaining high paint quality standards.
The development of PS3 benefited from close collaboration with Mazda's technical support team, providing Inokom employees with valuable knowledge transfer, training and technical guidance throughout the installation and commissioning phases. This partnership has strengthened local expertise in advanced automotive manufacturing and supports Inokom's aspiration to remain at the forefront of Malaysia's automotive industry.
Integrated, Safe and Efficient Production Flow
PS3 is designed for seamless and safe production flow across manufacturing stages. Vehicle bodies are transferred automatically between the Body Shop, PS3 and Assembly Shop via overhead transfer tunnels, reducing manual handling, traffic interference and contamination risks.
The PTED line features a 1,053 metre fully automated conveyor network, comprising electric monorail systems, roller beds, lifters and turntables to support smooth and continuous movement throughout the painting process, enabling stable production ramp up and reliable throughput.
Sustainability at the Core
PS3 was designed with environmental sustainability in mind. A Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) system connected to four ovens reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 60% through the decomposition of volatile organic compounds and reuse of recovered heat.
The facility also features a dry scrubber filtration system that eliminates water usage in spray booth operations, reducing environmental impact and maintenance requirements. In addition, PS3 has been designed with full waterborne paint readiness, enabling a seamless transition to more environmentally friendly coating technologies in line with evolving industry requirements. This future-ready capability reinforces Inokom's commitment to sustainable manufacturing while supporting the automotive industry's shift towards greener and more responsible production practices. Energy efficiency is further enhanced through smart building design, with production at ground level and ovens positioned on the upper floor, minimising heat impact on work areas and reducing cooling energy consumption.
