Global plastics injection moulder Rosti (Malmö / Sweden; www.rosti.com) is set to open a new subsidiary, Rosti Integrated Manufacturing Solutions, in Senai, Johor Bahru / Malaysia in July 2012. The 5,000 m² factory, where 150 people are to be employed by the end of this year, will initially focus on producing complete modules for business machines, although output eventually will cater to the group’s core E&E, packaging, medical and automotive end customer markets. Rosti said it would invest EUR 3m in machinery for the site over the next 12 months, by the end of which the facility will boast a full range of Sumitomo Demag injection moulding machines.

The decision to open a new facility in South East Asia was driven by customer demand, Rosti said, adding that Johor Bahru not only affords the group close access to clients, but also to neighbouring Singapore, where many global players have set up their regional HQ. Rosti is already represented in Asia, through subsidiaries in China and India – see also Plasteurope.com of 24.04.2009.

Commenting on the new plant, group COO David Knight said, “In the 10 years since we set up in China we have enhanced our reputation not only as a high end injection moulding company but also as a fully integrated manufacturing solution provider from conceptual level to high value add products. It’s a natural step therefore for Rosti to duplicate this capability in South East Asia.” He also said that the group plans to continue its growth track, both through organic means and acquisitions.

Owned by Swedish investment group Nordstjernan (Stockholm; www.nordstjernan.se), Rosti operates facilities in the UK, Poland, Sweden, Germany, China, India and Malaysia. The group’s 2,000 employees last generated sales of about EUR 200m.