iRobot begins manufacturing operations in Malaysia

iRobot, a maker of consumer robots – most famously a robotic vacuum cleaner, has officially commenced production in Malaysia ahead of schedule.

Working with Jabil Inc, a manufacturing solutions provider based in St Petersburg, Florida, iRobot has expanded its manufacturing capabilities into Malaysia as part of its strategic supply chain diversification initiative.

Jabil has served as one of iRobot’s trusted manufacturing and supply chain partners in China since 2010.

Colin Angle, chairman and CEO at iRobot, says: “Establishing manufacturing operations in Malaysia is a fundamental component in our initiative to diversify iRobot’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, while also mitigating our exposure to current and prospective tariffs on products that are imported from China.

“We are thrilled that the new production line in Malaysia is officially up and running earlier than anticipated.

“Taking this project from start to finish in less than a year was a massive undertaking that required detailed planning, scenario modeling and crisp execution by our operations team and our partner, Jabil.

“As we move forward, we believe that our investment to establish manufacturing operations in Malaysia will serve us well as the global demand for home cleaning robots across multiple categories continues to grow.”

Creator of the Roomba robot vacuum and Braava family of mopping robots, iRobot is a consumer robotics innovator, leading a high growth industry that has huge economic potential for the US.

Since its founding in 1990, iRobot has grown to be a billion-dollar revenue company, employing more than 700 people in the US and more than 1,000 people globally.

iRobot is now producing limited quantities of one Roomba 600 Series model in Malaysia but plans to accelerate volume production for this model beginning in the first quarter of 2020.

Additional models may be added to the line over the coming quarters and into 2021.