Choa (ninth right) poses for a group photo with recipients of the ‘Best Departmental Employee 2018’.
BINTULU: Press Metal Sarawak which recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Mukah Plant anticipates another challenging operations this year.
Its group general manager Choa Wei Keong said the last 10 years was not an easy journey, and he commended the pioneers of Press Metal for their vision, courage and persistence in making Day 1 of its Sarawak operations in Mukah a reality.
Speaking at an annual dinner of Press Metal here recently, Choa said 2018 was a challenging year due to the tough market conditions which saw a significant increase in the cost of raw material.
“The cost of raw material was higher than the price of aluminium. Operation-wise, we added a new billet casting line and an additional wire rod line.
“With these and also your commitment, competency and contribution, we improved our high value-added product from 30 per cent in 2017 to 40 per cent, which is one of our key corporate goals,” he said.
Expecting the new year to be a very challenging one where economic factors, trade war and aluminium market will introduce additional uncertainties into the business, Choa has outlined three key areas for its Sarawak operations this year.
They want to work closely with the sales and marketing team to increase its high value add mix closer to 50 per cent, continue to improve product quality, and improve productivity and efficiency.
Choa said Press Metal had implemented various programmes such as PMSys, Engineer’s and Manager’s Development programme, Competency Management Systems, Sarawak Operations Improvement programme, Sustainability and others ‘to translate the three values of commitment, competency and contribution into action’.
“We believe what we are doing will help us to reap the benefits of the 10 years’ rule; benefits left for us by the hard work and sweat of our owners, directors and pioneer staff.
Choa was also proud to note that Press Metal is recognised for business excellence; it received the Champion Award for Press Metal Bintulu, and Merit Award for Press Metal Sarawak in the 8th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Environment Award 2017/2018.
Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi, Press Metal Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Dato Paul Koon Poh Keong, group executive vice chairman Koon Poh Ming, group executive directors Dato’ Koon Poh Tat, Roy Koon Poh Weng and Tony Koon Poh Kong, Press Metal Bintulu and Press Metal Sarawak executive director Koji Waki and Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat were among those present at the dinner.