Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (Inokom) has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its new Paint Shop 3 (PS3), strengthening the company’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing capabilities and supporting sustainable long-term growth.
The new facility was officially launched by YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. With an investment of approximately RM300 million, PS3 represents one of Sime’s largest manufacturing investments to date.
Built and operated entirely by a 100% Malaysian workforce, the facility reflects Sime’s confidence in the regional automotive industry and the capabilities of local talent. The investment is expected to create employment opportunities, enhance competitiveness and position Inokom as a preferred manufacturing partner for local and regional automotive ecosystems.
“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.
Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Sime Motors’ Assembly and Strategic Businesses, said PS3 represents a significant enhancement to Inokom’s manufacturing ecosystem.
The new facility expands painting capacity, increases production flexibility and strengthens Inokom’s ability to support the changing requirements of its customers. It has been designed with advanced automation, future waterborne paint readiness and a range of sustainability features to support future vehicle programmes while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The project also provided opportunities for knowledge and technology transfer through close collaboration with Mazda’s technical support team and engineering specialists. The partnership has helped strengthen Inokom’s technical capabilities and prepared its workforce to support the future development of Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing sector.
Based on a two-shift operation, PS3 is designed to support up to 50,000 painted vehicle bodies annually, with a production rate of 15 units per hour. The facility also has the capability to paint plastic parts.
With the addition of PS3, Inokom’s combined paint shop capacity has increased to 100,000 painted vehicle bodies per year. The facility is capable of supporting multiple vehicle models, providing greater flexibility to scale production volumes and accommodate future manufacturing requirements.
Most of the PS3 operations are automated, with the facility anchored by a fully automated pre-treatment and electrodeposition line, advanced spray booths and an integrated conveyor system.
The facility is equipped with 32 painting and sealant robots, allowing precise and consistent paint application across exterior and interior vehicle surfaces as well as plastic components.
One of the key technologies incorporated into PS3 is the Cartridge Bell System, which enables colour changes in less than 10 seconds and supports up to 27 colour variants. This helps reduce production downtime while improving flexibility and efficiency.
The high level of automation also contributes to improved worker safety, reduced material waste and consistent paint quality, particularly as production volumes increase.
PS3 features an energy-efficient three-coat, one-bake painting process, allowing three coating layers to be applied using a single baking cycle. The process helps reduce energy consumption and processing time while maintaining the required paint quality standards.
The facility was developed with support from Mazda’s technical team, which worked closely with Inokom employees during installation and commissioning. The collaboration provided training, technical guidance and knowledge transfer in advanced automotive manufacturing technologies.
Vehicle bodies are automatically transferred between the Body Shop, PS3 and Assembly Shop through overhead transfer tunnels. This integrated production flow reduces manual handling, traffic interference and the risk of contamination.
The PTED line includes a 1,053-metre fully automated conveyor network consisting of electric monorail systems, roller beds, lifters and turntables. The system enables smooth and continuous movement throughout the painting process while supporting stable production ramp-up and reliable throughput.
Environmental sustainability was also incorporated into the design of PS3. A Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser system connected to four ovens is designed to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 60% through the decomposition of volatile organic compounds and the reuse of recovered heat.
The facility also uses a dry scrubber filtration system that eliminates water consumption in spray booth operations. This helps reduce environmental impact while lowering maintenance requirements.
PS3 has also been designed with full waterborne paint readiness, allowing Inokom to transition more easily to environmentally friendly coating technologies as industry requirements evolve.
Energy efficiency is further supported through the facility’s smart building design. Production areas are located at ground level, while the ovens are positioned on the upper floor. This arrangement helps minimise heat exposure in work areas and reduces the energy required for cooling.
The launch of Paint Shop 3 marks another step in Inokom’s development as a major automotive manufacturing hub in Malaysia. With expanded capacity, advanced automation, technology transfer and sustainability-focused systems, the new facility is expected to strengthen Inokom’s ability to support local and regional vehicle production while contributing to the continued development of Malaysia’s automotive industry.