Dyson Malaysia has been in Malaysia for 18 years, opening its first facility in Malaysia after scouting around the region for the setting of its product development campus. The centre now employs 1200 people, including engineers, technicians, finance, hr and various other departments.

Having grown exponentially over the years at a 20% compounding rate, Dyson just shipped its 100 millionth machine reaching a record 80,000 machines a day. Being close to suppliers in the region the development centre serves as a hub for innovation and manufacturing techniques and processes. The Malaysian Development Centre has expanded from 350sgm to 35,000 sqm, and is on the lookout to add another 200 staff of which 100 engineers to its headcount.

Scott Maguire, Global Vice President said: “Some of Malaysia’s brightest minds are helping to develop Dyson’s most successful technologies. The new research and laboratory spaces will enable the development of radically new technologies with the power to transform cities,homes,and workplace: improving lives in the process.” The company is a strong believer of engaging with local universities and is currently working with 5 institutions to bring local talent into the organisation. In UK, Dyson is investing into higher education to help overcome the shortage of engineers. Students can receive a four year degree programme without paying any tuition fees, covers the fundamentals of engineering in years one and two, with year three and four cover electrical and mechanical engineering content, all while having a paid job.

The centre in South Johor just off Senai, is workplace to 800 engineers and technicians working on Dyson products, testing and designing in the 22 laboratories fitted with state-of-the-art equipment. The expansion will soon see the addition of an in-house gym, new cafe and is already housing an original Harrier jump jet engine as a design icon.