1973
In response to Japan’s rapid economic growth and rising labor costs in the early 1970s, KOA Corporation expanded into Malaysia to access abundant, lower-cost labor and sustain competitiveness.
1973
In November 1973, Koa Denko (M) Sdn. Bhd. (KML) was officially established in Melaka state. KML was formally incorporated as a legal entity in Malaysia, establishing its presence and operations within the country. This marks KML‘s entry into the Malaysian manufacturing industry, and laying the foundation for its future growth and contributions to the local economy.
1974
In 1994, Production of semi-fixed resistors began and the first products were launched. This product remained in production as KML‘s main product until 1999, when production was discontinued.
1975
The initial stage of KML production year 1975.
1st Batch of Machinery Arrived
1st Batch of Material Arrived
Semi Fixed Resistor Line
1983
The 5th Managing Director, Mr. Okubo celebrated the 10th anniversary with local employees.
1987
Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, together with Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah, visited the KML booth during Expo Melaka.
1991
We proudly organized its very first Quality Control (QC) Month at the company to raise quality awareness and promote quality control activities more widely, and made a significant milestone in the company’s Quality commitment. And BBQ was organized at the company premises to encourage and appreciate the employees for the cooperation.
1993
Melaka Chief Minister and the 4th KML Chairman Mr. Mukaiyama and his wife attended the KML’s 20th anniversary celebration.
1994
Expansion of Block D in 1994. The same year, KML started manufacturing of Flat Chip Resistors. Major products are manufactured at this Block D, and this made an opportunity for the company to further enhance its quality and assurance.
1994
The production of Flat Chip Resistors at KML unfolds from 1994 to the present day, with these essential components being meticulously produced at KML.
1995
In September 1995, Koa Denko (Malaysia) Berhad officially obtained the ISO 9002 Quality Management System. This was a memorable year for the company, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of its operational performance and its ability to consistently deliver high quality standards, such as reduced defect rates, cost reductions and customer complaints.
1996
In 1996, we conducted its public share offering, which included a balloting process for a public issue of 3,000,000 shares and an offer for sale of 3,660,000 ordinary shares
1999
In 1999, Koa Denko (Malaysia) Berhad achieved a key milestone by earning accreditation for the QS 9002 Quality Management System. This certification demonstrates not only the strengthening of our business structure and improve customer satisfaction, but also improvement of our employees' commitment to continuous Quality Management.
2001
The construction of Block E was completed in 2001 as a strategic expansion of KML’s manufacturing capabilities. By increasing production capacity and optimizing workflow, Block E plays a crucial role in supporting growing demand while maintaining high standards of quality and operational reliability.
2002
In December 2002, we successfully obtained ISO 14001 certification. Our products demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility by meeting global standards, reducing environmental impact and continually improving the sustainability.
In late 2002, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) broke out in China and affected Malaysia. Supply chain disruptions from China also caused KML to experience delays in receiving supplies and disruption to production schedules.. This led to several hygiene measures to ensure the health and safety of employees, including daily temperature checks for all employees. In particular, partnerships were established with local clinics to ensure easy access to medical services.
2003
KML celebrates its 30th anniversary under the leadership of its 10th Managing Director, Mr. Meguro.
2004
In October 2004, we obtained the ISO/TS 16949 certification, a quality management system standard for the automotive industry.
2008
In 2008, we held its first KOA Family Day at Stadium Hang Jebat to bring employees and their families together and strengthen their sense of community.
2012
In March 2012, the Finance, General Affairs, Human Resources, and Customer Service groups received " Award for Effort" from the Head Office, KOA Corporation in recognition of its achievements in small group activity (SGA) improvement activities in the non-manufacturing area.
2013
KML celebrates its 40th anniversary under the leadership of its 11th Managing Director, Mr. Iguchi.
2015
In September 2015, we received the "Special Management Special Award" from the Head office for the joint activity with other KOA bases, "Improvement of F/C (Flat Chip) Terminal Defects and Development of Imaging Technology."
2017
In September 2017, our employees received the "Excellence Award" from the Head Office for their innovative contributions to improving the inspection and Taping process.
2018
In September 2018, we received the "Special Management Special Award" by the head office for its improvement activities in "Quality and Manufacturing - Resolving Lead Time Issues." These activities contributed to improving production efficiency and customer satisfaction. The following month, the company received its first certification since officially transitioning to IATF 16949 from the existing ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification, which was obtained in 2004.
2020
In 2020, a pandemic caused by a COVID-19 dealt a major blow to the global economy, with enormous impact on key industries and caused major disruptions. KML also faced issues such as supply chain disruptions, factory shutdown and fluctuating demand.
In response to these challenges, the company has introduced a zero layoff policy that doesn't involve layoffs due to economic reasons to support the livelihoods of its employees, and has kept salaries unchanged, while complying with government regulations while on lockdown. Management also made the health of employees a top priority, conducting regular COVID-19 tests, arranging vaccinations and improving housing for foreign workers, etc.
2022
KOA Corporation has decided to invest in a New Factory Project aimed at expanding the production capacity for flat chip resistors at its manufacturing plant in Malaysia. We began full-scale site surveys and selection in March 2022, and acquired the site in July. The site for the new factory was secured approximately 5.5 km from the existing Batu Berendam factory.
In September, a meeting with Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia's officials was held in Tokyo, and Mr. Nonomura (former vice president) and Mr. Momose (current vice president) from KOA Corporation attended the meeting.
2023
In 2023, KML embarked on a number of planned procedures to promote the new factory project in Ayer Keroh. After selecting a construction company, designing of the factory, holding multiple meetings with various government sectors, and obtaining all necessary approvals, the groundbreaking ceremony was held successfully on October 17th. The year 2023 marks a major milestone as it marks the 50th anniversary of KML's founding, making it a very meaningful year.
2023
KML's 7th Chairman Mr. Momose and 13th Managing Director Mr. Ozawa celebrates the 50th anniversary with local employees.
2024
The construction of the office and production buildings of the new factory project proceeded with thorough progress checks with the relevant parties.
2025
We successfully established a new Factory in Ayer Keroh as planned, and the key handover ceremony was held on 16 April 2025. Equipped with the advanced technology and meeting sustainable environmental and safety standards, the new factory demonstrates KOA Group's strong commitment to expanding its manufacturing capacity and producing high-quality flat chip resistors to meet growing global demand.
