By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 30 October 2026
Penang-based Estek Automation Sdn Bhd has opened a RM20 million manufacturing plant in Batu Kawan Industrial Park. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the opening on 29 October 2026. The 50,000 sq ft facility brings the company’s semiconductor equipment, AI-driven solutions and contract manufacturing under one roof.
Here is what the plant does, how it fits into Penang’s investment figures, and what it means for homes in Batu Kawan.
Estek’s new plant at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Estek Automation Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian engineering and automation company founded in 2015 |
| Chief executive | Jacky Lee Joo Seng (founder) |
| Investment | RM20 million |
| Location | Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP), Penang |
| Size | About 50,000 sq ft |
| Activities | Semiconductor equipment (such as die sorters and wafer inspection systems), precision contract manufacturing, and data- and AI-driven solutions |
| Opened | 29 October 2026, by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow |
Why it matters
Estek is a home-grown company, and the new plant will expand its manufacturing capacity and strengthen its engineering and R&D, according to Lee. He said the investment “reflects our confidence in Penang and Malaysia as a hub for advanced manufacturing”. Chow said it was encouraging to see a local company invest in its own capabilities.
The opening was attended by InvestPenang chief executive Datuk Seri Loo Lee Lian, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai and MIDA Penang director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed.
Penang’s manufacturing investment in 2026
- Penang attracted RM17.3 billion in approved manufacturing investment in the first half of 2026, 34% of the national total and the highest of any state.
- Domestic direct investment reached RM4.5 billion, up 125% year on year.
- Chow said he is confident the full-year total will pass RM20 billion.
Estek is the latest of several manufacturers to open or announce plants in Batu Kawan this year. Earlier in October, PEN S J Electronics announced a plant worth more than US$70 million at BKIP 3; read our report on the PEN S J investment in Batu Kawan.
What it means for Batu Kawan property
Each new plant adds engineers, technicians and production staff who need homes near work. Batu Kawan sits next to the industrial parks and the Second Penang Bridge, so many workers look for homes there first. That supports both buyers who want to live close to work and investors who rent to industrial-park staff.
New projects in Batu Kawan
| Project | Type | Indicative price | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| VERSA | Condominium | From RM453,000 | 2027 |
| Vi Residence | Condominium | RM480,000–RM580,000 | 2030 |
| AndaBreeze Residences | Serviced suite | RM446,000–RM873,000 | 2030 |
| SEIRAS | Condominium | RM609,000–RM666,000 | 2028 |
| Mezon | Condominium | RM595,000–RM856,000 | 2030 |
| Eco Horizon | Semi-detached and terraced houses | RM901,800–RM1,664,000 | Phase 11 completed; Phase 10 Q4 2026; Dawson 2028 |
See all projects on the Batu Kawan area page, and check your loan budget with the mortgage calculator. For factories and warehouses, browse our Penang industrial projects.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Estek Automation’s new plant?
In Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP), Penang. It is about 50,000 sq ft.
How much did Estek invest?
RM20 million.
What does Estek make?
Semiconductor automation equipment such as die sorters and wafer inspection systems, plus precision contract manufacturing and AI-driven manufacturing solutions.
How much manufacturing investment did Penang get in 2026?
RM17.3 billion in approved manufacturing investment in the first half of 2026, the highest of any state. The state expects more than RM20 billion for the full year.
Looking for a home in Batu Kawan?
I can send the latest price lists and unit availability for Batu Kawan and nearby mainland projects. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- The Star: Estek invests RM20mil in new Batu Kawan manufacturing facility
- Buletin Mutiara: Estek Automation opens RM20mil manufacturing plant in Batu Kawan
- Kwong Wah Yit Poh: 槟上半年制造投资额173亿全国居首
This article is general information based on state government and company statements and published reports as of 30 October 2026. It is not investment advice; project prices are indicative and depend on availability.