July 19, 2024 /SemiMedia/ -- Melexi announced the opening of its largest wafer testing site worldwide in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. This expansion signals Melexis' commitment to meeting the increasing demand for semiconductors and strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

The expansion of Melexis in Malaysia marks a significant milestone in the company’s 35-year journey to fulfil the growing global demand for semiconductors, which is expected to double in the next decade. It hosts 90 semiconductor wafer test equipment used to test Integrated Circuits (ICs). Melexis continues to innovate in edge sensors and edge drivers aimed at current and future applications in the mobility, sustainability, robotics, and health areas. The expansion will serve all of these.

Placing the facility in Kuching - Sarawak - Malaysia, member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), between Eastern and Western markets and next to X-FAB's wafer foundry, one of Melexis' key suppliers, is a strategic move to streamline logistics and help reducing our ecological footprint. Additionally, Kuching boasts a diverse, multilingual, entrepreneurial and skilled workforce, further enhancing recruitment potential.

The new 4-storey building, designed by, both award-winning, Belgian architect Sebastian Mortelmans and Sarawakian architects DNA, covers a ground surface of 4,500 square metres, making it the largest Melexis wafer testing site worldwide. The modern design referencing local longhouse architecture, incorporates advanced energy-saving systems, a solar installation that can generate 30.000 kWh per month, and minimises the environmental footprint.

Françoise Chombar, Chairwoman of the Board at Melexis, highlights the significance of the sustainable and future-proof building, stating, “Our continuous search for better solutions led us to this new, beautiful building that embodies the values of Melexis: innovation with heart, keeping in mind our people and the planet. We are proud of how sustainable the building is, having learned from previous experiences. This expansion will allow Melexis to serve the steadily increasing global demand for semiconductor solutions and signals our continued commitment towards our Asian customers.”

Additionally, like a longhouse, the facility is designed with future expansions in mind, ensuring adaptability and scalability to meet growing demands. It will foster the Research & Development activities that Melexis has recently started up in Kuching.

The opening further emphasizes the growth and innovation ambitions of Melexis. Marc Biron, CEO of Melexis: “With an investment of 70 million euros, this opening underscores the ambition of Melexis and will ensure future growth. With Melexis, we are at the forefront of innovation, and this opening will support us in the markets that we serve.”