Belgium-based supplier of semiconductor solutions Melexis has opened its largest wafer testing site worldwide in Kuching in the Malaysian state of Sarawak to strengthen its presence in Asia-Pacific and meet the rising demand for semiconductors around the world, according to a company announcement.
Wafer testing is part of the manufacturing process wherein all individual integrated circuits are checked for functional defects through special test patterns.
According to Melexis, its expansion in Malaysia is a strategic move to streamline logistics and reduce its ecological footprint. Additionally, it selected Kuching because of its diverse, multilingual, entrepreneurial and highly skilled workforce.
Melexis CEO Marc Biron said, “With an investment of 70 million euros, this opening underscores the ambition of Melexis and will ensure future growth. With Melexis, we are at the forefront of innovation, and this opening will support us in the markets that we serve.”
The new four-storey building, a collaboration of award-winning Belgian architect Sebastian Mortelmans and local architectural firm DNA, covers a ground surface of 4,500 sq. m., making it the company’s largest wafer testing site worldwide. The modern design evokes local longhouse architecture, incorporates advanced energy-saving systems, like a solar installation that can generate 30.000 kWh per month, and minimizes its environmental impact.
“Melexis has made the right choice to invest in Sarawak. With political stability, Sarawak is business-friendly and welcomes investments that can create mutual benefits. The Sarawak government has always been very supportive of investors both foreign and domestic. It is among the most preferred destinations for investment in Malaysia,” Sarawak’s Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment said in a statement.
“Sarawak possesses many comparative advantages for businesses to grow and prosper such as strategic location, availability of green energy, talented workforce, and suitable land for industrial activities,” the statement also said.
