Malaysia Enters the Large-Format Slab Race: Guocera Opens RM420mil Industry 4.0 Plant in Kluang
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Guocera has commissioned Malaysia's first production line for 120x240 cm porcelain slabs, more than doubling its capacity to 13.5 million square metres a year with Italian technology from Siti B&T.
Malaysia has entered the large-format porcelain slab club. Guocera Sdn Bhd, part of the Hong Leong Group, has opened a RM420mil (around 90 million euros) Industry 4.0 manufacturing facility and concept gallery in Jalan Mengkibol, Kluang, Johor — home to the country's first line capable of producing premium 120cm x 240cm slabs. Managing director Sally Cheng described the investment, committed since 2022, as one of the most significant financial undertakings in Malaysia's ceramic industry in recent years. "The new facility represents more than a capacity expansion; it is a strategic development in Malaysia's manufacturing future," she said at the opening ceremony. Capacity more than doubles With the new plant commissioned, Guocera's annual production capacity rises from 6 million square metres to 13.5 million square metres. Cheng said the additional volume will allow the company to serve growing domestic demand and regional export markets, while reducing Malaysia's reliance on imported premium ceramic surfaces. The project has created more than 100 high-value jobs, including engineers, automation specialists, technicians and skilled manufacturing professionals. Italian technology transfer The plant was built in collaboration with Italian machinery specialist Siti B&T, whose chairman Fabio Tarozzi attended the opening alongside Hong Leong Industries group managing director Datuk Prof Jim Khor, Hong Leong Manufacturing group CFO Tong Woei Luen and Hong Leong Industries CFO Goh Eng Tatt. The technology package includes continuous milling replacing batch milling, mould-less pressing, energy-saving titanium kilns and dry trimming without water. "These technologies boost factory output, product quality, work speed and eco-friendliness," Cheng said, arguing they position Guocera as a leading ceramic producer in South-East Asia. A 56-year-old player goes premium Founded in 1970, Guocera expanded with plants in Meru, Selangor (1979) and Kluang (1988), growing from exports to Singapore into a supplier across Asia and beyond. Its portfolio spans three brands — Guocera, Solare and Verticas — covering residential, commercial and architectural markets. The move mirrors a wider regional trend: South-East Asian producers are climbing the value ladder into slabs and technical porcelain, a segment long dominated by Italian, Spanish and Indian suppliers.