Menicon Advances High-Value Ophthalmic Manufacturing in Malaysia With Smart Factory Launch
KULIM, Kedah, 5 February 2026 – Menicon Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Menicon Co., Ltd., and a global provider of comprehensive ophthalmic solutions spanning lens materials, design and lens care products, today officially launched its new manufacturing plant at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a high-value medical device manufacturing.
With a total approved investment of RM1 billion, the new facility represents Menicon’s most advanced and future-ready manufacturing site globally. Designed around a fully integrated smart factory concept, the plant combines automated production, logistics, warehousing and quality control within a digitally connected ecosystem, enabling stable, high-volume production of silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said Menicon’s expansion reflects strong investor confidence in Malaysia’s industrial capabilities and talent base.
“Menicon’s smart factory investment underscores Malaysia’s growing strength in advanced, high value-added manufacturing. Beyond export growth, this project drives meaningful technology transfer, accelerates the development of high-skilled local talent, including engineers, technicians and TVET graduates, and supports Malaysia’s shift towards innovation-driven manufacturing under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. These are precisely the investments that generate long-term economic impact and resilience for Malaysian”, he said.
Mr. Koji Kawaura, President & CEO of Menicon Co., Ltd., commented, “With the start of operations at the Malaysia Plant, we will significantly strengthen our supply capabilities to meet the rapidly growing global demand for 1-day lenses. I am confident that this will not only accelerate Menicon’s further growth in global markets but also help us fulfil our mission of protecting eye health for people around the world.” His remarks underscored the vital role the new plant will play in Menicon’s future global expansion.
The facility supports large-scale, high-efficiency production of daily disposable contact lenses and related components, leveraging Menicon’s proprietary manufacturing technologies. The Malaysia facility’s output is export-oriented, supplying key international markets including Japan, Germany and the United States, and contributing directly to Malaysia’s export earnings while strengthening its position within the global ophthalmic value chain.
Menicon Malaysia currently employs 150 personnel, with approximately 93 per cent Malaysians, and places strong emphasis on structured talent development through internship, technical training and hands-on exposure to smart manufacturing and advanced automation system. These initiatives support Malaysia’s broader human capital and TVET enhancement agenda, particularly in high-precision medical device manufacturing.
In addition to driving export, the localisation of contact lens and component manufacturing supports Malaysia’s import substitution agenda, reducing reliance overseas supply while enhancing supply chain resilience for critical medical consumables.
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About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.
About Menicon
Since developing Japan’s first corneal contact lens in 1951, Menicon has contributed to society under its corporate slogan: “Providing better vision for a better life.” Prioritizing eye safety, we focus on R&D, advanced proprietary manufacturing technologies, and ongoing eye‑health support through the MELS Plan. Headquartered in Nagoya, we operate globally in more than 80 countries, offering comprehensive solutions ranging from lens materials and design to the production of lens care products.
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