Soon, fans of Hot Wheels will start to notice more of their toy cars carrying the 'Made in Malaysia' tag.
The reason for this? Malaysia will be Mattel's largest manufacturer in 2023.
In a press statement, Mattel Malaysia announced that the toy company's largest manufacturing plant is set to be complete in January 2023. Located in Perai, Penang, the plant has been churning out Hot Wheels singles prior to its expansion.
10.8 million Hot Wheels cars will be produced per week.
Currently, the plant produces around nine million cars per week. With the expansion, the plant is set to produce around 10.8 million cars per week, a whopping 20-percent increase!
Ching Chiau Lee, the General Manager of Mattel Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MMSB) said the expansion is part of the company's 40th anniversary in the Southeast Asian country. The Perai plant was established in 1981.
“Over the last 40 years, we have succeeded in developing a thriving ecosystem for the local industry in the Perai Free Industrial Zone across industries such as packaging, paint, material supplies, and machine design.”
“MMSB plays an important role in our global supply chain operations, providing a strategic footprint in the region and supporting our transformation strategy for growth as an IP-driven, high-performing toy company. We are excited for our future as we continue to exemplify progress in the technology-driven Malaysian manufacturing sector.”
The completion of the expansion will also see Mattel's workforce in Malaysia expanding to 4,300 workers from its current 3,900.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, Mattel Malaysia also collaborated with Proton, Malaysia’s iconic national automotive brand, to produce a 1:64 scale model of a Proton SAGA, the first model manufactured by the national carmaker.
Expect to get your hands on this exclusive Hot Wheels Proton model by the end of 2023.
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Cover image sourced from Mattell and New Straits Times.
