Wanli Tire Invests RM1.37B in Hulu Selangor, 1,350 Jobs
Wanli Tire Invests RM1.37 Billion in Hulu Selangor, Creating 1,350 Jobs
Wanli Tire, a Chinese tyre manufacturer headquartered in Guangzhou, has announced a RM1.37 billion investment to build a manufacturing plant in Hulu Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia. The facility is expected to create 1,350 jobs for local workers. This investment positions Wanli Tire as a major player in Malaysia’s automotive component sector, supplying tyres for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and industrial equipment. The plant will produce radial tyres under the Wanli brand, targeting both the domestic market and export to Southeast Asia.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | RM1.37 billion (approximately USD 295 million at current exchange rates) |
| Location | Hulu Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia |
| Jobs Created | 1,350 (direct employment) |
| Parent Company | Wanli Tire (Guangzhou Wanli Tire Co., Ltd.) |
| Product Type | Radial tyres for passenger cars, light trucks, and commercial vehicles |
| Expected Production Start | 2026 (subject to regulatory approvals) |
| Local Certification | Will comply with Sirim standards and Malaysian road safety regulations |
| Power Supply | 240V, 50Hz (Malaysian standard) – plant will use industrial-grade power |
What Is Wanli Tire and Why Is It Investing in Malaysia?
Wanli Tire is a Chinese tyre manufacturer established in 1988, known for producing affordable radial tyres for the global aftermarket. The company’s investment in Hulu Selangor is part of its strategy to expand production capacity outside China and tap into the ASEAN market. Malaysia offers a strategic location, skilled workforce, and existing automotive ecosystem (e.g., Proton, Perodua, and local parts suppliers). The plant will help Wanli Tire reduce logistics costs for Southeast Asian customers and avoid tariffs under the ASEAN Free Trade Area.
Wanli Tire’s RM1.37 billion investment in Hulu Selangor is the largest single foreign direct investment in Malaysia’s tyre manufacturing sector in 2025.
How Will This Investment Affect Malaysia’s Automotive Industry?
The investment is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional automotive hub. The 1,350 jobs will include engineers, technicians, and production operators. Local suppliers of rubber, steel cord, and carbon black may benefit from increased demand. The plant will also support the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 goals of increasing local content and technology transfer.
“This investment reflects Wanli Tire’s confidence in Malaysia’s business environment and skilled workforce. We are committed to producing high-quality tyres that meet international standards while contributing to the local economy.”
— Wanli Tire spokesperson, as quoted in Careta.my (2025)
Wanli Tire’s plant in Hulu Selangor is projected to produce up to 6 million tyres annually once fully operational.
Who Is This Investment For in Malaysia?
This investment primarily benefits Malaysian automotive component suppliers, logistics firms, and job seekers in the manufacturing sector. For consumers, it may lead to more affordable Wanli-branded tyres available locally, reducing reliance on imports. The plant will serve both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the replacement tyre market. Malaysian drivers looking for budget-friendly radial tyres for compact cars (e.g., Perodua Myvi, Proton Saga) or commercial vehicles will have a new local option.
Wanli tyres are positioned as a value-for-money alternative to premium brands like Michelin and Bridgestone, targeting price-sensitive Malaysian consumers.
Common Questions
When will the Wanli Tire plant in Hulu Selangor start production?
Production is expected to begin in 2026, pending final regulatory approvals from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and local councils. Construction is slated to start in late 2025.
Will Wanli tyres be cheaper in Malaysia after this investment?
Yes, local production should reduce import duties and logistics costs, potentially lowering retail prices by 10–15% compared to imported Wanli tyres. However, final pricing depends on raw material costs and market competition.
Does Wanli Tire have any existing presence in Malaysia?
Wanli tyres have been sold in Malaysia through distributors for several years, but this is the company’s first manufacturing facility in the country. The plant will allow Wanli to supply directly to local retailers and OEMs.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the original report published by Careta.my (https://careta.my/article/pengeluar-tayar-gergasi-china-wanli-tire-labur-rm137-bilion-di-hulu-selangor-cipta-1350). Additional context on Wanli Tire’s background and Malaysian automotive policy was sourced from publicly available company information and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). Currency conversion from USD to RM uses an approximate rate of 1 USD = 4.65 RM as of March 2025. All figures are as reported in the source material. This article was last updated on 26 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original Careta.my article and MIDA announcements.