Inokom unveils new RM300 million facility, helps double annual painting capacity

Sime Motors automotive assembly subsidiary, Inokom, has officially launched the new Paint Shop 3 (PS3) at its manufacturing complex in Kulim, Kedah. Built and operated by a 100% Malaysian workforce, PS3 represents an investment of approximately RM300 million, making it one of Sime’s largest manufacturing commitments to date.

The addition of PS3 significantly strengthens Inokom’s operational footprint, allowing the company to position itself as a flexible, high-capability manufacturing partner for global automotive brands while supporting regional market growth.

Substantial Boost to Inokom’s Production Capacity

The introduction of PS3 effectively doubles Inokom’s total painted vehicle body capacity from 50,000 to 100,000 units per year. Operating on a two-shift system, the facility is designed to output up to 15 painted vehicle bodies per hour and includes dedicated capabilities for painting plastic components.

According to Inokom, the new painting facility relies heavily on advanced automation, which includes a fully automated pre-treatment and electrodeposition (PTED) line, advanced spray booths, and a 1,053-meter conveyor network anchored by 32 specialised painting and sealant robots. These systems are designed to ensure uniform paint quality, high operational efficiency, and improved worker safety.

A key innovation within the setup is the Cartridge Bell System, which enables rapid colour changes in under 10 seconds across up to 27 colour variants, dramatically reducing downtime. To streamline logistics, vehicle bodies are transferred automatically between the plant’s Body Shop, PS3, and Assembly Shop via overhead transfer tunnels that help minimise manual handling and contamination risks.

The facility’s development was also supported by close technical collaboration with Mazda’s engineering specialists, providing valuable knowledge transfer and training to local employees throughout the installation and commissioning phases.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

At the same time, sustainability is built directly into the architectural and operational design of PS3. The facility incorporates an energy-efficient three-coat, one-bake painting process, allowing three coating layers to cure in a single baking cycle to optimise throughput and lower energy use.

For emissions control, a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser system connected to four ovens decomposes volatile organic compounds and recovers heat, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 60%. Furthermore, a dry scrubber filtration system eliminates water usage in spray booth operations, and the plant is fully prepared for future waterborne paint applications.

Energy efficiency is further supported by smart building architecture, which places production on the ground level beneath upper-floor ovens to reduce heat transfer into work areas and lower cooling demands.