KUALA LUMPUR: EPB Group Bhd, a food processing and packaging machinery solutions provider, has announced two strategic initiatives to accelerate its regional growth and strengthen its sustainability agenda.
The company is partnering with China‘s Shenzhen Honglin Machinery Equipment Co Ltd to drive automation and expand its market presence across Southeast Asia.
EPB will hold an 80 per cent stake in the newly formed AI Medic Device Equipment Supplies Sdn Bhd, while Shenzhen Honglin’s major shareholder and director, Fan Yanlin, will own the remaining 20 per cent.
The venture, to be branded as AI MEDIC, will focus on integrating robotics, semiconductor software and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled systems into food processing machinery.
It will also serve as a platform for product diversification and localisation of advanced robotic solutions to meet rising demand for efficiency, hygiene and production precision.
In a separate move, EPB has entered into a technology partnership with Japan’s Nidec Corp to integrate variable frequency drives (VFDs) into its machinery offerings.
The collaboration is aimed at boosting energy efficiency, reducing machine wear, lowering operational costs and extending the lifespan of equipment.
EPB said the adoption of VFDs is part of its wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda, underscoring its commitment to sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Managing director Yeoh Chee Min said these two strategic milestones reflect our group’s long-term vision to embed sustainability and innovation across all levels of our operations.
“The partnership with Shenzhen Honglin positions us at the forefront of robotics and automation in the region, while our partnership with Nidec enhances the energy efficiency of our machinery and strengthens our ESG credentials.
“With Nidec’s global network, we ensure faster and more reliable maintenance and servicing, giving our customers the added value of peace of mind and uninterrupted performance through their local agents.
“Together, these initiatives support our aim to elevate Southeast Asia’s food manufacturing industry to global standards through efficiency, precision, and innovation,” he added.
EPB is teaming up with Nidec to integrate the S100 Series Inverter into its food processing machines, delivering 10-30 per cent energy savings, lower maintenance costs, and longer machine lifespan.
At the same time, its partnership with Shenzhen Honglin will boost AI and robotics capabilities, enhancing the performance of existing machinery.
To support growth, EPB is expanding its production in Penang with a new factory, showroom, and corporate office on 7.84 acres next to its current site.
The facility will also house advanced manufacturing and research and development (R&D), strengthening its automation portfolio and capacity for large-scale projects across Asean.
These moves align with EPB’s initial public offering (IPO) goals and reinforce its commitment to sustainable growth, digitalisation, and customer-focused innovation.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
