Hitachi GST acquired the facility in July and has been increasing the production of aluminum substrates used to manufacture its desktop-class hard drives.

Sarawak is close to existing Hitachi GST suppliers and drive assembly operations, which will increase operational efficiency and provide other long-term benefits, the company said.

The Sarawak facility is expected to produce the majority of the company’s aluminum substrate requirements.

“We are proud to officially commemorate the opening of our newest manufacturing site and welcome the Sarawak team to Hitachi GST,” said Steve Milligan, president of Hitachi GST. “A primary goal of the Sarawak acquisition was to strengthen vertical integration for purposes of enhancing product time-to-market and customer satisfaction. We are making steady progress in this regard and have been expanding our Sarawak employee population to keep pace with strong customer demand.”

“Sarawak continues to be a center of excellence for high-tech manufacturing and we are pleased to support Hitachi GST, one of the world’s leading hard-drive suppliers, in their efforts to build a presence in the region,” said Chief Minister of Sarawak Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Abdul Taib Bin Mahmud. “The partnership with Hitachi will strengthen global awareness of Sarawak as a compelling location for manufacturing and other operations requiring a skilled and technical workforce.”

Approximately 500 guests attended the opening ceremony held at the Sarawak facility, which is located in the Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone in Kuching.