German life science company Eppendorf SE has held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new manufacturing facility at Bandar Cassia Technology Park in Penang, marking the start of construction on its first production site in Southeast Asia. The project involves an investment of EUR40 million (approximately RM190 million) and follows the signing of a lease agreement with Penang Development Corporation (PDC) in July 2026.

The facility will occupy an approximately 48,500 sq m site, with a planned built-up area of around 16,000 sq m. It will house production, warehousing, offices, quality-related functions, shipping and logistics operations, as well as employee facilities. The plant will manufacture selected products from Eppendorf’s Centrifuges & Instruments portfolio for laboratories and scientific workplaces worldwide, adding advanced manufacturing capabilities to the company’s existing operations in Malaysia.

Construction is targeted for completion by the end of 2027, followed by the installation of production equipment. Manufacturing is expected to begin gradually in 2028, with operations ramping up through 2030. The company anticipates employing approximately 130 people by the end of 2029. The facility is also designed with sustainability features, including energy-efficient building systems, solar photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and water-retention systems, with Eppendorf aiming for LEED Gold certification.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Eppendorf Supervisory Board Chairman Philipp von Loeper, Eppendorf CEO Dr Christine Munz, and representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), InvestPenang and PDC.

Eppendorf has maintained a presence in Malaysia for more than three decades, beginning with the establishment of its Kuala Lumpur office in 1995. The Penang investment marks an expansion of its Malaysian operations into manufacturing and will serve as an additional production base within its global network, which has historically been centred in Europe and the United States.

The investment is expected to strengthen Penang’s position in high-value manufacturing, particularly in the life sciences and scientific equipment sectors, while creating skilled employment opportunities and supporting the development of local suppliers.

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