Inokom Corporation has invested approximately RM300 million in a new automotive painting facility in Kulim, Kedah, expanding its manufacturing capacity while strengthening its ability to support local and regional vehicle programmes.
Known as Paint Shop 3 (PS3), the facility was officially launched by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani on 11 August 2026.
The facility is one of Sime’s largest manufacturing investments to date and is operated entirely by a Malaysian workforce. Inokom says the investment is intended to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities, support technology transfer and increase participation within the Malaysian automotive vendor ecosystem.
PS3 adds capacity for up to 50,000 painted vehicle bodies annually based on a two-shift operation, with a production rate of 15 vehicles per hour. It also has the capability to paint plastic components.
With the new facility operational, Inokom’s combined paint shop capacity increases to 100,000 painted vehicle bodies per year.
The additional capacity is designed to support multiple vehicle models, allowing Inokom to adjust production volumes according to market demand while preparing for future vehicle programmes.
“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,” said Inokom director Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh.
32 Robots And 27 Colours
Automation is at the heart of PS3, with the facility featuring a fully automated pre-treatment and electrodeposition (PTED) line, automated spray booths and an integrated conveyor system.
A total of 32 robots handle painting and sealing operations, delivering consistent application across vehicle exterior and interior surfaces as well as plastic components.
The facility also uses a Cartridge Bell System (CBS) capable of changing colours in less than 10 seconds and supporting up to 27 colour variants. This allows Inokom to reduce downtime while improving production flexibility.
Another key feature is a three-coat, one-bake painting process, which applies three layers of coating before a single baking cycle. According to Inokom, this reduces energy consumption and processing time without compromising paint quality.
The facility was developed with technical support from Mazda, with the collaboration providing Inokom employees with training and knowledge transfer in advanced automotive painting and manufacturing processes.
More Automation, Less Manual Handling
PS3 is connected to Inokom’s Body Shop and Assembly Shop through overhead transfer tunnels, allowing vehicle bodies to move automatically between production stages. Its PTED line incorporates a 1,053-metre automated conveyor network, comprising electric monorails, roller beds, lifters and turntables.
The system is designed to minimise manual handling and reduce the risk of traffic interference and contamination during production.
Focus On Lower Environmental Impact
Sustainability is another major focus of the new facility.
PS3 uses a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) system connected to four ovens, which Inokom says can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 60% by breaking down volatile organic compounds and recovering heat.
The facility also uses a dry scrubber filtration system that eliminates water consumption in spray booth operations.
It is additionally designed to be fully compatible with waterborne paint technology, allowing Inokom to adopt lower-impact coating systems as industry requirements evolve.
Energy consumption is further reduced through the facility’s layout, with production areas located at ground level and ovens positioned above them to minimise heat transfer into working areas and reduce cooling requirements.
Sime Motors Assembly and Strategic Businesses managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said PS3 expands Inokom’s painting capacity while improving production flexibility and preparing the company for future vehicle programmes.
With its increased capacity, advanced automation and lower-impact production technologies, the RM300 million facility strengthens Inokom’s position as a potential manufacturing partner for both Malaysia and the wider regional automotive industry.
