SCHOTT Celebrates its 50 Years Anniversary of Cutting-edge Glass Processing in Malaysia!

Recently, the international technology group SCHOTT celebrated the 50th anniversary of its presence in Malaysia at Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang. The event was graced by Dato' Hans Peter Brenner, Honorary Consul of Germany and representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

SCHOTT Management Board Members, staff and customers gather together at the Grand Ballroom in Eastern & Oriental Hotel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of SCHOTT’s presence in Malaysia

The production plants which is in Penang and Kulim are two of SCHOTT’s leading facilities in Asia to provide high-end processing for global high-tech industries, including semiconductors, augmented reality, consumer electronics, medical, space, and other industrial applications. The Penang plant was founded 50 years ago as the Germany-based company’s first high-tech glass processing hub in Asia, and the Kulim site was inaugurated in September 2024 to further build up production capacity.

Mr. Ralf Derferner, SCHOTT AG Head of Global Sales for Advanced Optics welcoming everyone at the launch event

“In the 1970s, as the SCHOTT brand grew in global prestige and recognition, we wanted a site that could service markets within the Asian region. Due to its strategic location, we decided to set up our first production site in Asia here in Penang, and it has played a crucial role in serving customers not just in Southeast Asia, but also leading companies in Korea, China, Europe, and the US ever since. Since opening our doors in 1975, we have grown from strength to strength, with a tenfold increase in the number of employees and a substantial expansion of our offerings for diverse high-tech industries, from AR gadgets and foldable devices, next-generation chips, space exploration to medical technology,” said Mr. Peter Berberich, Site Manager of SCHOTT Penang.

From left: Dr. Heinz Kaiser and Dr. Andrea Frenzel shared a quick overview of the history of SCHOTT

“Through the government’s support, our continued investment and the expansion of our facilities in Malaysia, we aspire to consistently build and develop local talents through knowledge and training, allowing a space for the younger generation to keep innovating and pushing the boundaries of specialty glass,” he added.

SCHOTT has positioned Malaysia at the core of the company’s success as it greatly contributes to serving global customers in high-tech industries today. In September 2024, SCHOTT expanded further with the opening of a new facility in Kulim, Kedah, to allow its continued development in Malaysia and to further contribute to shaping the future of technology, not only locally, but also globally.

In an act commemorating the 50th Anniversary of SCHOTT Malaysia, SCHOTT AG’s Management Board signed a plaque marking this prestigious milestone

"I am truly delighted to celebrate SCHOTT's 50th anniversary in Malaysia, a remarkable milestone that speaks to the power of enduring partnerships. For five decades, SCHOTT has been an integral part of our country's industrial fabric, bringing with them innovative technologies, expertise, and a commitment to creating meaningful jobs. What I find particularly inspiring is how their continued investment in Malaysia aligns with our own aspirations for the future, as outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030. It is a testament to the fact that, together, we can achieve great things and create a brighter future for our people. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the entire SCHOTT team and look forward to many more years of collaboration and success,” said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA.

Mr. Andrzej Grzesiak, Head of Advanced Optics, SCHOTT AG signing the plaque at the event

“Malaysia and Germany are major trading partners and have always supported each other, especially in the business and education industries. SCHOTT’s presence in Malaysia is a great example of how both countries have come together, combining resources and manpower to create products and services that shape the future of technology in the world. As time goes on, we hope to continue this incredible partnership with Malaysia, further strengthening our ties through teamwork and resilience,” said Dato' Hans Peter Brenner, Honorary Consul of Germany.

SCHOTT's Electrification Melting Lab

To further demonstrate SCHOTT’s dedication towards enhancing the technology sector in Malaysia, the 50th anniversary event offered its attendees a sneak peek into the future through the setup of exhibits that allowed attendees to take a closer look at ongoing SCHOTT projects.

SCHOTT Malaysia production plant in Penang

From semiconductors to medical technology, SCHOTT Malaysia empowers innovations from industry leaders around the world, allowing the continuous development of future-oriented technologies. SCHOTT is actively exploring new innovations and building up manufacturing and processing capability in Malaysia, with a focus on two areas, namely augmented reality and semiconductors.

To find out more info about SCHOTT Malaysia, head over to their official website here.

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