Toshiba’s third overseas diagnostic imaging systems manufacturing base

Kuala Lumpur, 26 June 2014 – Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation (headquarters: Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan; President: Satoshi Tsunakawa) has established a new manufacturing company as a wholly owned subsidiary in Penang, Malaysia. This subsidiary, which will begin operations in December, 2014, will be Malaysia’s first diagnostic imaging systems manufacturing base. It will be Toshiba’s third manufacturing base outside Japan, following the bases in Dalian, China, and Campinas, Brazil. This new manufacturing base will be involved in the production of diagnostic ultrasound systems and printed wiring boards.

Given Southeast Asia’s high economic growth rate of approximately 5% or more, demand for healthcare services is increasing and the market for diagnostic imaging systems is expected to undergo steady expansion. Among Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia is considered to be a good site for a global logistics hub serving Europe and the Middle East, and production in Malaysia will support the rapid delivery of high-quality products to customers in the global market. It will also allow us to optimize the total cost of the supply chain. In addition, with its mature semiconductor and automotive industries, Malaysia should be an excellent location for procurement of parts.

The Malaysian government is strongly promoting innovation in order to join the ranks of the developed countries by 2020. Healthcare has been designated one of the main economic development programs, and various policy initiatives are currently in progress. By playing an active role in this economic development plan, Toshiba will work hard to contribute to the development of the healthcare and the medical equipment industry in Malaysia.

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