KUALA LUMPUR -  Japan’s largest comprehensive contact lens manufacturer, Menicon Co.Ltd, has begun commercial production at its newly constructed manufacturing facility in Kedah, Malaysia. An opening ceremony was held on February 5.

The new Malaysian plant is the largest in the Menicon Group in terms of site area and is dedicated exclusively to the production of 1DAY contact lenses.

Under the first phase of construction currently underway, the facility has space to support production of up to 500 million lenses annually. 

The plant is designed for expansion through a fourth phase, depending on demand trends.

By adding more production lines, the company aims to eventually establish a system capable of producing up to 2 billion lenses per year.

Menicon is also expanding 1DAY lens production lines at its existing plants in Singapore and Kagamihara, Japan. 

With approximately 400 million lenses produced in fiscal 2024, the company plans to increase total production capacity by about 1.5 times across multiple locations, with further expansion to follow in line with demand.

The move comes amid a growing global market driven by the rising prevalence of myopia. 

Demand for convenient and hygienic 1DAY lenses has surged, and the company expects contact lens-based vision correction to continue expanding across Asia, broadening its global business outlook.

According to NNA Asia, Malaysia was selected as the investment destination due to its relatively low operational risk compared to other countries, lower investment costs per square meter, and strong profitability prospects.

Additionally, comparatively low labor costs and an English-speaking workforce were cited as advantages. 

The plant’s location in Kulim, which offers convenient air access and facilitates overseas shipments, was also considered a key factor.

“The launch of the Malaysian plant will dramatically increase our supply of 1DAY lenses amid rapidly expanding global demand. 

“It will allow us to capture strong demand in Japan while advancing proactive global partnerships,” President Koji Kawaura stated.