SWISS innovative technology company, Comet Group that focuses on plasma control and X-ray technology, has expanded its capacity with a new manufacturing site in Penang.
This important milestone looks to strengthen Comet’s presence in Asia to meet not only local demand but also future demand for its technologies from customers worldwide.
The project was approved by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) last year for the manufacturing of integrated radio frequency (RF) power modules for front end semiconductor machinery.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19 restricting economic activities and movement, the Comet team was impressed with the ease and speed in implementing their Malaysian project.
“I have been part of similar projects before, but I have never seen a team working so energetically and with such motivation to set up a new manufacturing site in record time,” commented Comet’s vice president (global operations and project leader) Stephan Runge.
In August 2020, the first RF matching networks were assembled on the production lines and released for manufacturing use.
Since the beginning of 2021, the manufacturing facility in Malaysia is also officially certified by Comet’s customers and has been ramped up to high volume production in the last few months.
“MIDA is pleased to see Comet tapping upon Malaysia’s well-connected and established semiconductor industry cluster in Penang,” MIDA’s CEO Arham Abdul Rahman commented.
“Their presence here will undoubtedly be a welcomed addition given their long-standing reputation as a high-tech supplier that can deliver flexible, quick and reliable solutions, particularly as Malaysia is looking to develop our very own front-end semiconductor equipment ecosystem.”
Headquartered in Flamatt, Switzerland, Comet is currently well supported by Malaysian talent, and it is expected that over time the company vision is to employ more Malaysian. Among the roles to be filled include the positions in engineering, plant and machinery operations and assembling as well as quality management. – May 27, 2021
