Sandvik this week inaugurated its new production unit in Malaysia dedicated to manufacturing underground load and haul equipment. The first equipment model assembled at the new factory is Sandvik’s Toro™ LH517i loader, with production expected to ramp up over the coming year. The facility will commence production of Toro™ TH545i trucks later in the year, as part of a cross-manufacturing plan.

Production volume allocation among existing factories will be based on machine specification, sales area distribution and production capacity.  Battery product manufacturing is slated to begin by Q3 2024, with BEV unit assembly scheduled for 2025, aligning with future electrification goals.

“This expansion marks a significant milestone for Sandvik,” said Patricio Apablaza, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Load and Haul division. “This production unit enables flexible manufacturing of both conventional diesel and battery-electric loaders and trucks while adhering to Sandvik’s stringent global standards for sustainability, quality and safety – all with the aim to reduce lead times for mining customers in the Asia Pacific region.”

Spanning over 8,000 square metres, the new facility is situated in the Sendayan TechValley industrial park, strategically positioned approximately 70 kilometres south of Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur and 15 kilometers west of state capital Seremban. The factory comprises 15 versatile assembly bays and sits 90 kilometres southeast of Port Klang, Malaysia’s largest seaport and one of the busiest container terminals in the world.