Proton has officially commenced a significant expansion of its stamping facilities with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new E and F stamping lines. This expansion is part of the company’s strategic plan to relocate the production of the Proton Saga from Shah Alam by 2026.
Investment and Infrastructure
A substantial investment of RM253 million has been allocated for this project, which aims to increase the volume of parts stamping at the Tanjong Malim facility. This move is designed to support Proton’s overall production growth and accommodate the introduction of new models in the future. The new stamping lines follow the inauguration of the D-Line stamping plant on March 14, 2023, by the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Enhanced Production Capacity
During the ceremony, Proton’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong, emphasised the importance of the new lines for the company’s expansion plans. “The addition of the parts stamping E and F-Line is critical to Proton’s future volume expansion plans as it gives us more flexibility to ramp up our production and meet market demand. For the whole of 2023 and up to June 2024, our Tanjong Malim plant has stamped out 6,067,064 components, of which 395,211 are from the new D-Line, and this number will grow exponentially when production for the Proton Saga is relocated here in 2026,” he said.
Advanced Technology and Processes
The E-Line will feature a four-stage stamping process with a 1600-tonne stamping machine and three 800-tonne machines. The F-Line will have a five-stage stamping process, utilising a 2000-tonne, 1200-tonne, and three 1000-tonne stamping force machines. Additionally, robots will be used to transfer parts between workstations, and IR 4.0 technology will be implemented to use real-time data and machine learning to enhance the quality of parts produced.
Reducing Reliance on Imports
The new stamping lines are expected to reduce Proton’s reliance on imported parts, providing insulation against potential disruptions to global trade and improving the local parts supply. This expansion also supports the ongoing development of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, further building local competencies.
This expansion marks a significant step for Proton, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, local development, and sustainable growth in the automotive industry.
