EP Manufacturing and Chinese partner launch RM100 million fuel-tank plant for Proton

EP Manufacturing Bhd has teamed with China-listed Hebei Shichang Auto Parts Co Ltd to create a RM100 million fuel-tank manufacturing facility in Batang Kali, Selangor. Under the agreement signed on Oct 9, EP Manufacturing will hold a 51% stake in the new joint venture, EP Shichang Automotive Systems Sdn Bhd, while Hebei Shichang retains 49%. The plant is designed to produce 200,000 multi-layer plastic fuel tanks each year, meeting strict safety and performance standards, and will begin supplying Proton Holdings Bhd’s Tanjung Malim plant in March.

The collaboration leverages Hebei Shichang’s expertise serving major Chinese automakers such as Geely and BYD, and is intended to strengthen Malaysia’s local component ecosystem and its role as a regional export hub. EP Manufacturing’s business development manager Mohd Seth Sulaiman said the venture will enhance the group’s capabilities in high-value automotive parts, complementing its existing seat-manufacturing business.