On September 12, 2024, Benchmark marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Penang, Malaysia. This celebration expanded Benchmark's global footprint and reinforced the company's commitment to innovation, quality, and community engagement in Asia. The new facility—Benchmark's fourth in the region—will play a pivotal role in enhancing the company's capabilities, primarily serving customers in the semiconductor capital equipment sector as well as those in the medical, complex industrials, and commercial aerospace sectors.
This expansion is part of Benchmark's efforts to increase capacity and capabilities in anticipation of the semiconductor industry's expected growth in 2025 and beyond. The new facility will enable further vertical integration with existing Benchmark facilities in the region, enhancing operational efficiencies and upholding quality standards in semiconductor equipment manufacturing.
The event was a grand affair, attended by key customers, dedicated suppliers, local dignitaries, and community partners, who have all played an integral role in Benchmark's success in the region. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Malaysian Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who also spoke at the event honoring Benchmark’s new Penang facility.
Jeff Benck, President and CEO of Benchmark, expressed his enthusiasm about this new venture, stating, "Benchmark Penang is critical to our expanding operations in Asia, and we are enthusiastic about growing our manufacturing capabilities by adding a fourth facility. This building will enhance our capacity and expertise, enabling us to serve our current clients better and meet the growing interest from new customers aiming to regionalize their production in a lower-cost APAC region."
The new facility spans over 8,000 square meters and has space to expand further in the coming years. This expansion aligns with Benchmark's strategy to vertically integrate with existing facilities in Penang, thereby improving quality, efficiency, and time to market for customer products.
The facility boasts advanced capabilities and will offer e-beam welding, large-form factor 5-axis machining, and type-2 cleaning, making it one of the region’s largest welding and frame manufacturing shops. It also adds critical expertise in the semiconductor capital equipment space.
Dr. Bala Murugan, Group President of Benchmark Precision Technologies, highlighted the significance of the new facility during the grand opening, stating, "This event marks a significant milestone, highlighting our advanced capabilities and our commitment to generating more business and employment opportunities in the area. I am immensely proud of our Malaysian team's dedication and hard work in making this facility a reality."
The establishment of this new facility is not just about expanding physical space—it is about creating opportunities. Benchmark plans to hire up to 200 new employees over the next few years, adding to the current workforce of 1,500 in Penang. This hiring initiative will bolster Benchmark's operations and contribute to the local economy, providing valuable job opportunities for the community.
Benchmark's investment in Penang underscores its long-term vision to strengthen its global manufacturing network while maintaining deep-rooted ties with the local community. As Benchmark continues to innovate and expand, the Penang facility will serve as a critical hub for delivering world-class engineering and manufacturing services to its customers.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to innovating for a healthier, safer, and better-connected world. This grand opening is the beginning of a new chapter for Benchmark in Penang and a testament to the collaborative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence that define our company. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to making this vision a reality.
We invite you to visit our website, learn more about Benchmark's global footprint and our new Penang facility, and explore our many advanced capabilities.
