EPMB and Hebei Shichang plan RM100 million Proton fuel tank plant
The Batang Kali facility could manufacture 200,000 fuel tanks annually, with supplies to Proton Tanjung Malim scheduled to begin in March 2027.
EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) has signed a joint venture agreement with Hebei Shichang Auto Parts Co Ltd for a RM100 million facility that will manufacture advanced fuel tanks for Proton. EPMB said the partnership with the Beijing-listed fuel systems company would support Proton’s expansion and help localise Malaysia’s automotive component supply chain.
The partners will establish EP Shichang Automotive Systems Sdn Bhd to carry out the venture. EPMB will hold a 51 per cent stake, while Hebei Shichang will own 49 per cent.
Phase 1 involves developing a plant for plastic fuel tanks within EPMB’s Batang Kali manufacturing hub in Selangor. Its annual capacity could reach 200,000 fuel tanks. EPMB said deliveries to Proton Tanjung Malim would start in March 2027 following the facility’s completion.
Mohd Seth Sulaiman, EPMB general manager of business development, said the venture would upgrade the company’s fuel-tank manufacturing technology to meet Proton-Geely’s requirements in both domestic and export markets.
