March 27, 2025: Malaysian battery manufacturer ABM Fujiya has confirmed its launch of an EFB production line — just weeks after agreeing a joint venture deal with Chinese lead acid and lithium firm Jujiang Power Group.

Fujiya, which is already a lead battery producer, said the expansion into EFB technology was designed to embrace the market shift toward electric vehicles — and that sector’s still heavy reliance on having both lead and lithium batteries.

Fujiya subsidiary Fuya Energy is producing the EFBs at a new plant in Kuching, although production capacity details were not disclosed.

However, Fujiya said the move would enable it to remain competitive in both domestic and international markets.

Jujiang’s purchase of a 40% stake in Fuya Energy was completed last year, Fujiya confirmed in a Bursa Malaysia announcement on December 27.

Jujiang completed the subscription of 48 million new Fuya Energy shares at Rmb 1 (13 US cents) each for Rmb 48 million.

The agreement provided a fast and efficient means to settle most of Fujiya’s debt to Jujiang, avoiding the need for conventional bank loans or debt financing while boosting prospects as partners, Fujiya said.

In addition, Fujiya said it would benefit from valuable knowhow and feedback on its plant operations and technical improvements.

Combined production capacity of Fujiya before the expansion into EFBs was around 1.6 million units annually, according to the group.