Rolls-Royce and Sapura set up MTU power systems in Malaysia
Rolls-Royce’s subsidiary MTU Asia has entered into a joint venture with Sapura Resources Berhad (SRB) via its subsidiary SRB One to form MTU Power Systems Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. As an exclusive distributor of MTU products in Malaysia for the next ten years, MTU Power Systems will undertake the sales and servicing of products and original equipment packaging solutions from MTU, the core business of the power systems business unit of Rolls-Royce, to the marine (both naval and commercial), rail, construction and industrial, mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and power generation market sectors.
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MTU Asia President/Director Network & Distribution, Shovan Biswas, commented: “Malaysia is a key strategic market for us. In recent years, we have seen a strong demand for large MTU engines from governmental marine sector. We also foresee opportunities in power generation and renewables, construction and industrial, as well as commercial marine and railway projects.”
Biswas continued: “The forming of MTU Power Systems with SRB will allow us to be closer to our customers in Malaysia and better serve the local industry. We are committed to supporting customers here to enhance their product lifecycles and be cost-effective in their operations. MTU Power Systems will also allow us to effectively explore opportunities in supply chain and future solutions business, further expanding our footprint in this market.”
The Malaysian government has put much emphasis on the local shipbuilding industry through its Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) strategic plan 2020. The country is also focusing on revitalising its shipping industry to strengthen local economy. Industry experts have projected that Malaysia’s marine engine market will expand by 4.4% between 2018 and 2024.
SRB Managing Director Dato’ Shahriman bin Shamsuddin said: “SRB brings knowledge and experience within the key industries in Malaysia as well as insights into the local economy and business landscape to the partnership with Rolls-Royce. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and are excited about the prospects the joint venture brings; as it allows us to provide a comprehensive suite of MTU’s engine products, customer care and its Value Added Services to the Malaysian market.”
As a first step, MTU Power Systems will focus on acquiring and developing adequate engineering capabilities and operational knowledge to provide follow-on support on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for MTU customers in Malaysia.