BMW Group Malaysia marked a significant milestone by celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Regional Parts Distribution Centre. The event was highlighted by the unveiling of a major expansion to its state-of-the-art facility at the Free Industrial Zone in Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru.
Initially established in 2004 at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Gelang Patah, the facility relocated in 2016 to its current location. With the recent expansion, the centre now boasts an impressive 65,000 square metres of warehouse space, up from 45,000 square metres, making it one of the largest BMW facilities of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. This expansion underscores the BMW Group’s commitment to excellence and its continued investment in Malaysia.
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), lauded BMW Group Malaysia’s achievements, stating: “The BMW Group’s 20-year journey in Malaysia exemplifies shared vision, technological advancement, and exceptional performance. The expanded facility reinforces Malaysia’s role as a strategic logistics gateway for the Asia Pacific region while supporting the BMW Group’s after-sales operations and supply chain. With Malaysia’s robust ecosystem, MIDA is committed to fostering further success for BMW and inspiring others to invest in the country’s potential.”
Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, also reflected on the journey: “This milestone signifies not only the BMW Group’s growth as the leading premium automaker in Malaysia but also the nation’s status as a critical logistics hub in the Asia Pacific region. The facility’s evolution into a globally recognised centre of operational excellence highlights this shared success.”
The facility’s expansion introduces advanced features such as a purpose-built High Voltage Battery Storage Area and a Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking system, optimising storage and logistics. Additionally, its two-story design allows for future growth, while solar panel installations align with BMW’s broader sustainability initiatives.
Since its move to Senai, the centre has nearly doubled its annual turnover, growing from €141 million in 2017 to €277 million in 2023. Serving over 20 markets, it handles more than 100,000 inventory lines monthly, with an impressive 99% on-time picking and packing rate and a 99.5% delivery accuracy for items in excellent condition.
Key logistics include weekly dispatches of 15 containers for sea freight, 33,000 cubic metres of airfreight deliveries, and 42 trucks servicing Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The facility also manages over 52,000 unique part numbers, including components for electric vehicles, demonstrating its capacity to meet evolving industry demands.
The expansion solidifies BMW Group’s logistical prowess and positions the facility as a vital hub in the Asia Pacific automotive landscape. With continued investment, BMW Group Malaysia reaffirms its role as a key contributor to the Group’s regional success, paving the way for further innovation and growth.