Boston Scientific Expands Operations in Penang

PENANG, MALAYSIA (14 Nov 2022) Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX), a global leader in medical device technology, today unveiled a new expansion of its operations in Batu Kawan, Penang. The expansion is expected to enable approximately 300 jobs in the coming years and includes a 110,000 square foot global distribution center.

In support of the company’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in all manufacturing and key distribution sites by 2030, the new facility will be partially powered by solar panels and use a power monitoring system for energy efficiency. Additionally, the new facility includes a rainwater harvesting system for indoor and outdoor use. Combined, these initiatives form part of a strategy for the facility to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification in the near future.

The global distribution center was ceremonially opened by Penang Chief Minister, the Right Honourable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow. Joining him at the event was the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, as well as Special Investment Advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang, Dato Seri Lee Kah Choon, and InvestPenang Chief Executive Officer, Dato Loo Lee Lian.

“In 2017, the first Boston Scientific manufacturing facility in Asia was opened in Penang,” said the Right Honourable Mr. Chow Kon Yeow. “Today, the state is proud to be selected as the location for the company’s first global distribution center in the region. This expansion has greatly demonstrated the dynamic and supportive ecosystem the state holds, which enables companies to deepen roots and widen portfolios in Penang and across Asia. The state, via InvestPenang and other agencies, strives to uphold our competitive edge, which is buoyed by 50 years of excellence, towards greater potential going forward.”

The new facility is the third global distribution center for the company and the first located in Asia, shipping medical devices within Malaysia and around the world. In addition to manufacturing roles, the site will employ professionals in knowledge-intensive regional supply chain roles such as planning, logistics, customer care and equipment service repair. As such, Penang will be key to the company’s global supply chain network, serving as a hub for Asia Pacific markets and supporting ongoing global business continuity and resilience.

“The unveiling of the new Boston Scientific distribution facility will strengthen the company’s position as a global services hub in this region,” said Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman. “This reaffirms Malaysia as a strategic location to support the company’s end-to-end supply chain operations, from managing procurement and sales to the worldwide distribution of highly regulated medical devices. Malaysia is an ideal location for multinational corporations such as Boston Scientific to better manage and serve their customers and global supply chain networks due to its well-developed infrastructure and availability of a dynamic and skilled workforce.”

Boston Scientific has had a strong manufacturing presence in Penang for over five years. More than 7 million medical devices have been produced at the site this year, including diagnostic and therapeutic technologies such as biopsy forceps, balloon angioplasty products and laser fibers.

“This expansion builds on our end-to-end supply chain expertise in Penang and reflects our commitment to supply life-changing technology to customers in Asia Pacific and across the globe,” said Paudie O’Connor, senior vice president, Supply Chain at Boston Scientific. “In addition to the investment in this new global distribution center, we continue to invest in fostering a workplace in Penang where all employees can find opportunities to grow in their careers.”