Chinese pressure sensor manufacturer Trensor will open its first overseas production facility in Malaysia next year, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy.
The new plant, located in Penang, often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East,’ will manufacture pressure sensors for both Southeast Asian and global automotive markets. Stephen Zhou, director of Trensor’s Malaysian subsidiary, shared the update during the 21st Shanghai International Automotive Industry Exhibition.
Initially planned to cover 2,000 to 3,000 square meters, the factory’s scale has since been expanded to 10,000 square meters. It is expected to create between 200 and 300 local jobs and produce up to 10 million pressure sensors annually using flexible automated production lines. The facility will incorporate Trensor’s custom-made, self-developed equipment, which impressed officials from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority during a recent visit.
Industry analysts note that Malaysia is keen to attract high-tech enterprises like Trensor to drive industrial upgrading and escape the middle-income trap. Trensor’s products are already present in Malaysia through indirect supply channels, particularly in vehicles made by Perodua, the country’s leading car brand with over 40% market share last year. The establishment of a local factory is expected to enhance service to Malaysian customers and support broader regional expansion.
Trensor’s move into Malaysia comes amid global supply chain shifts and changing geopolitical conditions. Originally intended to mitigate the impact of tariffs introduced during US President Donald Trump’s first term, the investment has grown into a key component of Trensor’s long-term globalization efforts. “Our investment in Malaysia isn’t merely transferring production capacity but also a crucial step in our globalization strategy,” Zhou said. “In the long term, this will enhance our overall competitiveness through global deployment rather than weakening our Chinese operations.”
The company’s technological edge has been central to its success. Trensor’s piezoresistive ceramic thick film pressure sensors are praised for their high accuracy, durability, corrosion resistance, flexible encapsulation, and compatibility with various mediums. These advantages have allowed Trensor to gradually capture market share traditionally held by international giants.
Most of Trensor’s products are exported to Europe and North America and supplied to major automotive original equipment manufacturers and system integrators, including Cummins and Ford Motor. In some cases, Trensor has become the exclusive global supplier. Zhou also revealed that a major European tier-one automotive supplier has recently entrusted Trensor with global pressure sensor orders following an inspection of its production facilities.
Looking ahead, Trensor sees significant growth potential. “The global automotive pressure sensor market is enormous, and we still have significant room to increase our presence,” Zhou said. The company plans to focus on technological innovation and enhancing global customer service over the next three to five years.
With the rise of automotive electrification and intelligence, demand for pressure sensors continues to grow, particularly in thermal management and chassis systems in new energy vehicles. “Pressure sensors may seem small, but they function as the eyes and nerves of automotive electronic control systems,” Zhou noted. “Our vision is to become an indispensable partner for auto industry giants, creating customer value through technological advancement and brand building.”
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