Zakirin
KULIM, Kedah, 11 August 2026 — Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (Inokom) has launched Paint Shop 3 (PS3), an RM300 million vehicle painting facility at its assembly complex in Kulim, Kedah. Officiated by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, the facility expands the plant’s painting capacity and integrates automated application systems.
Capacity Expansion and Plant Infrastructure
The addition of PS3 doubles the annual vehicle painting capacity at the Kulim complex. The project was constructed and is operated by an entirely local workforce.
| Operational Parameter | Specification |
| PS3 Annual Capacity | 50,000 vehicle bodies (based on two-shift operations) |
| Production Speed | 15 units per hour (includes plastic component painting) |
| Total Inokom Paint Capacity | 100,000 vehicle bodies per annum |
| PTED Conveyor Network | 1,053-metre automated conveyor system |
| Inter-Shop Logistics | Overhead transfer tunnels linking Body Shop, PS3, and Assembly Shop |
Automation and Process Technology
The facility incorporates automated systems across the pre-treatment and electrodeposition (PTED) line, spray booths, and transfer routes. Engineering input and technical support during installation and commissioning were provided by Mazda’s technical team.
- Robotic Units: 32 robots dedicated to exterior, interior, and sealant application.
- Color Change System: Cartridge Bell System (CBS) capable of switching between up to 27 color variants in under 10 seconds.
- Coating Method: Three-coat, one-bake process that applies three coating layers within a single oven cycle.
Environmental and Resource Management
PS3 incorporates several features aimed at reducing energy use, emissions, and water consumption:
- Emissions Reduction: A Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) connected to four process ovens decomposes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reuses recovered heat, reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by approximately 60%.
- Water Consumption: A dry scrubber filtration system replaces water-based filtration in spray booth operations.
- Coating Adaptation: Infrastructure is built to support a future transition to waterborne paint formulations.
- Thermal Design: Ovens are located on the upper floor above ground-level production areas to reduce heat transfer to active work zones and lower cooling requirements.
Executive Commentary
- Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Director of Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd., noted that the investment expands the plant’s contract assembly capabilities to support global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) under national automotive policy frameworks.
- Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Sime Motors’ Assembly and Strategic Businesses, stated that the facility’s automation and flexible tooling allow Inokom to accommodate multiple vehicle models and adjust production volumes according to client specifications.
