22/07/2008 (The Star Online), Ipoh - Chun Khong Engineering Trade Sdn Bhd has formed a partnership with the KSB group to clinch about 60% market share for pumps in the global palm oil industry.

Chun Khong is Malaysia's leading integrated pump maker while KSB is one of the world's largest pump companies.

Chun Khong managing director Lam Kar Weng said the fast-growing palm oil industry held opportunities for industrial pump manufacturers.

“Palm oil plantations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and Ivory Coast are growing fast.

“We have, therefore, agreed to form a strategic collaboration to provide a blanket supply of products to the palm oil industry,” Lam said.

He said this after an agreement signing between Chun Khong and KSB Malaysia Pumps and Valves Sdn Bhd.

Lam noted that the palm oil industry comprised the milling and oil refinery sectors.

Chun Khong will make pumps for the milling sector and KSB for refinery.

“This joint venture will see us expanding our business portfolio together,” he said.

Chun Khong had about 200 types of pumps and was the only manufacturer in Malaysia to have received the ISO 2858 certification from Sirim, he added.

KSB Malaysia is a subsidiary of Germany-based KSB group, a leading producer of pumps, valves and related systems that recorded revenue of 2 billion euros (about RM10.2bil) last year.