Wanli Tire Chooses Selangor for RM1.37 Billion Manufacturing Plant, Strengthening Malaysia’s Automotive Supply Chain

Malaysia continues to strengthen its position as a strategic automotive manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, with another major international investment set to boost the nation’s tyre production capabilities.

Chinese tyre manufacturer Wanli Tire has announced plans to establish its first manufacturing facility in Malaysia through a joint venture with Berjaya Property, representing an investment exceeding RM1.37 billion. The upcoming plant, which will be located in Hulu Selangor, is expected to become one of the region’s significant tyre production facilities while creating new opportunities for the local automotive industry.

A Strategic Expansion into Malaysia

The proposed facility marks an important milestone for Wanli Tire as it expands its global manufacturing footprint. While the company already exports its products to numerous international markets, the Hulu Selangor facility will become its second manufacturing plant outside China, following its existing overseas operation in Cambodia.

The joint venture will be led by Hong Kong-based Trusmax Investment Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Wanli Tire, together with Alam Baiduri Sdn. Bhd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berjaya Property.

Under the partnership structure, Trusmax Investment will hold a 70% stake in the venture, while Alam Baiduri will own the remaining 30%.

More Than Just Tyre Manufacturing

The new facility is designed to be more than a conventional production plant. Besides manufacturing automotive tyres, the joint venture will also undertake research and development, product design, engineering, sales, after-sales services, and the production of related automotive components.

This integrated approach reflects the increasing importance of Malaysia not only as a manufacturing destination but also as a centre for automotive innovation and technical development.

Production Capacity of Over Six Million Tyres Annually

Once fully operational, the Hulu Selangor plant is expected to produce approximately 6.2 million tyres every year, serving both domestic demand and export markets.

Wanli Tire manufactures a wide range of tyres, including products for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and industrial applications, making the new facility capable of supporting multiple segments of the automotive industry.

Creating High-Value Employment Opportunities

Beyond manufacturing output, the investment is expected to generate approximately 1,350 local job opportunities.

The workforce will include not only production personnel but also skilled professionals such as engineers, quality assurance specialists, technical experts, and management personnel, contributing to the development of Malaysia’s automotive talent pool.

According to Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility, Ng Sze Han, investments of this scale demonstrate the state’s commitment to bringing economic growth beyond the Klang Valley’s traditional industrial centres.

Berjaya Property’s Role in the Joint Venture

To facilitate the project, Berjaya Property’s subsidiary will contribute both capital and strategically located land in Hulu Selangor as part of its equity participation.

The total project funding will comprise equity contributions from both shareholders, with additional financing secured through borrowings to support the construction and establishment of the manufacturing facility.

The collaboration allows Berjaya Property to diversify into the automotive manufacturing sector while leveraging Wanli Tire’s global expertise in tyre technology and production.

Malaysia Continues to Attract Global Automotive Investments

Wanli Tire’s investment adds to a growing list of international automotive manufacturers selecting Malaysia as their regional manufacturing base.

The announcement follows another major investment by Chinese tyre manufacturer Prinx Chengshan Tire, which previously committed RM2.6 billion towards developing a tyre manufacturing facility in Kedah Rubber City.

Together, these investments signal growing confidence in Malaysia’s manufacturing ecosystem, skilled workforce, logistics infrastructure, and strategic location within ASEAN.

As global automotive companies continue expanding their regional operations, projects such as the Wanli Tire manufacturing plant are expected to strengthen Malaysia’s role within the international automotive supply chain while generating long-term economic benefits for local communities and supporting industries.