Swedish engineering group Sandvik announced a new production facility in Malaysia for manufacturing underground loaders and trucks in order to meet demand for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs)in the mining industry. The firm aims to commit SEK 350 million (USD 33 million) over the next three years.
The production of equipment is projected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2023 after the upgrades to its factory as well as other site improvements. Located in Sendayan TechValley business park in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan state, the facility will span more than 8,000 square meters and include 15 versatile assembly bays. The facility will enable the production of all Sandvik load and haul equipment models and will be free from existing supply chains.
The new facility will also concentrate on battery-electric vehicles for mining applications, in addition to manufacturing conventional loaders and trucks, as well as battery cages. According to Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, Malaysia was selected because it is one of the most technologically advanced nations in Southeast Asia, has a large pool of trained labor, a thriving local manufacturing sector, and dependable infrastructure.
(Sources: Sandvik Group; Paul Tan)