GEORGE TOWN: Toshiba Medical Systems Manufacturing Asia Sdn Bhd (TMMA), a unit of Japan-based Toshiba Medical Systems Corp , expects its new RM50mil facility in Bayan Lepas to be fully operational by July 2015.

Toshiba (healthcare company) president and chief executive officer Satoshi Tsunakawa said that the new 93,000 sq ft facility started operations in December 2014, producing diagnostic ultra sound systems.

“The manufacturing of printed wiring boards will start in March. All production lines will be fully operational from July,” Tsunakawa said at a press briefing prior to the launch of the facility by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Tsunakawa said the setting up of the facility in Malaysia reaffirmed Toshiba’s commitment to expanding its footprints in South-East Asia.

“Selecting Malaysia as it healthcare manufacturing base is aligned with the country’s focus on healthcare to be one of the 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) in its Economic Transformation Programme as announced in the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“By 2020, the Healthcare NKEA targets the sector to generate RM35.5bil in gross national income (GNI) and create 181,000 new jobs.

“Coupled with the rapidly growing global demand of quality healthcare facilities, Malaysia is the ideal location as a global logistic hub serving Asia, Europe and Middle East,” he said.

He said Toshiba’s healthcare business, which boasted a 100-year history, had developed and supplied many world first technologies due to the valuable advices and support from its customers. “We are very pleased to be able to deliver the latest ultrasound systems from our new manufacturing site in Malaysia.

“Market research shows that the global diagnostic imaging market is expected to reach US$27bil by 2018, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%.

“The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.9%.

A study by Frost & Sullivan showed that the overall Asean healthcare market was expected hit US$150bil by 2017, Tsunakawa added.

The new facility will initially employ 114 people, and expects enhancements to its production systems to drive headcount to 200 by 2020.

Toshiba Medical is a leading worldwide provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray and vascular, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and MRI systems, as well as information systems for medical institutions.

source:The Star