Inokom’s new RM300 million Paint Shop 3 has doubled painting capacity at its Kulim plant to 100,000 vehicle bodies a year, giving the contract assembler more room for higher volumes and new completely knocked down (CKD) programmes.
The new facility adds capacity for 50,000 bodies annually on a two-shift operation, at up to 15 units an hour. It can handle multiple models and paint plastic components as well as vehicle bodies.
Much of the work is automated. Paint Shop 3 uses 32 painting and sealant robots, a fully automated pre-treatment and electrodeposition line and a 1,053-metre conveyor network. Its Cartridge Bell System can switch colours in under 10 seconds and handle up to 27 colour variants.
Mazda’s technical support team and engineering specialists worked with Inokom during installation and commissioning, providing training and technical guidance to Malaysian employees. The shop was built and is operated by a 100% Malaysian workforce.
The investment reaches further into the local supply chain. Inokom works with 370 local vendors, including Bumiputera companies. Sime Motors lists BMW, MINI, Porsche, Mazda, Hyundai and Chery among the brands produced at Kulim. The Chery Omoda E5 became Inokom’s first EV assembly.
Inokom produced more than 31,800 vehicles in 2025. The expanded paint operation gives those existing CKD programmes more capacity while leaving room for additional work.
One possible customer has already visited. In May, Sime Motors disclosed that BYD vice-president Liu Xueliang and delegates had toured the Inokom assembly facility after the opening of BYD Macalister Mansion in Penang.
TienCars reported at the time that BYD’s Malaysian CKD plans remained unsettled. No production arrangement between BYD and Inokom has been announced.
Paint Shop 3 also includes measures to cut energy and water use. Its three-coat, one-bake process reduces oven cycles, while a regenerative thermal oxidiser recovers heat. Inokom claims the system cuts CO2 emissions by about 60%.
Dry scrubbers eliminate water use in the spray booths, while the facility is prepared for future use of waterborne paint.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani officiated the opening. The RM300 million investment gives Inokom considerably more capacity at a plant already handling six major automotive marques, with the local supplier base and technical expertise to support whatever CKD programme comes next.
