APM prepares to become a global supplier
Discovery Reports
Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest markets for the automotive industry, a key sector on which the country is also actively focusing to boost its industrialisation process.
From mainly consisting of completely knocked down assembly, Malaysia's vehicle sector progressed with the help of government initiatives and programmes. These spurred increased local activities from global automotive players and the launch of two national car projects, Proton and Perodua. Such developments, in turn, catalysed the emergence of several private motor vehicle manufacturers and a host of component parts and accessories companies.
Rapidly gaining global recognition for its growing automotive expertise, Malaysia is pegged as Asia's next automotive hub following the steps of Japan, South Korea and the mainland.
Home-grown automotive parts specialist APM Automotive Holdings mirrors Malaysia's successful rise in the industry. Providing leaf springs, shock absorbers, seats and radiators since 1971, APM has become one of the pillars of the local industry. It continues to evolve alongside the country's maturity into a fully fledged automotive supply centre.
Originally established as Auto Parts Manufacturers, APM focused on manufacturing as a build-to-print company in Selangor. In sync with the changing industry landscape and market demands, the company moved from building parts based mainly on clients' drawings to developing its in-house design, engineering and testing capabilities.
"Manufacturing is not where all the growth is - it is in research and development [R&D]," says APM executive director Dr Fun Woh Peng. "Thanks to the great vision and nurturing of APM's founders, we are heading in this direction."
Listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange since 1999, the company has undergone a series of restructuring, consolidation and expansion in the past four decades. From key component parts, its portfolio extended to comprehensive product lines classified under suspension, interior and plastic, heat exchange and electrical groups.
