When Benjamin Ku, CEO of SSH Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, assumed leadership in 2003, he inherited a modest family-run machining workshop built on years of dependable work across Malaysia’s automotive, palm oil, and general manufacturing sectors.
As global standards rose and multinational supply chains became more competitive, it became clear that continuity alone was no longer enough. To stay relevant, SSH had to evolve with focus and intent.
Founded in 1990, SSH began as a small operation known for reliability rather than scale. But as Malaysia’s oil and gas sector expanded and international players sought capable local partners, SSH made a decisive shift. Leveraging its deep roots in precision component manufacturing, the company repositioned itself to serve high-demand industries, including oil and gas, aerospace, and power generation, marking the start of its transformation into a globally trusted supplier.
“Our early work spanned automotive, palm oil, and general machining, but oil and gas stood out as the growth engine. To progress, we knew we had to focus & specialise,” Benjamin said.
That shift required more than new machinery. In 2006, SSH streamlined its systems and secured ISO 9001 certification, a critical step toward qualifying for the oil and gas supply chain.
Benjamin explained that acceptance, however, did not come easily. At the time, SSH Manufacturing was often seen as an old-school workshop attempting to enter a global arena. Skepticism from industry players was common.
Undeterred, SSH focused on capability building, progressing methodically from small assignments to increasingly complex components, and ultimately to full turnkey projects. Over time, consistent delivery replaced doubt with trust, laying the foundation for SSH’s credibility in the international market.
Climbing the global supply chain
From 2010 onward, SSH Manufacturing’s growth closely aligned with Malaysia’s push to strengthen local vendor capabilities in the oil and gas sector. That year marked a pivotal milestone when an anchor client elevated SSH to a turnkey supplier, authorising the company to deliver complete solutions rather than individual components.
In 2017, SSH deepened its global footprint by advancing into a strategic supplier programme with a major international client. This recognition enabled SSH to support multiple overseas facilities and significantly broadened its international presence.
To remain competitive against global manufacturers, SSH rebranded in 2019 as SSH Manufacturing, reinforcing its export-driven positioning, secured MITI duty exemptions, improving cost efficiency and competitiveness in global tenders.By 2022, continued growth led SSH to expand into a new facility, reflecting increased scale, advanced machinery, and a growing workforce. Today, SSH employs 152 people across four locations in Malaysia: Bangi, two sites in Nilai, and Johor supporting customers worldwide.
A year of momentum and a milestone award
The first half of 2024 showcased another strong performance for SSH Manufacturing. In just six months, the company matched its total sales for all of 2023, fueled by new contract wins, expanded process capabilities, and the acquisition of its first semiconductor client as part of its diversification strategy.
“This year, the momentum is strong. We won new contracts, new processes, and finally secured our first semiconductor customer. That was one of our proudest moments,” Benjamin said.
Recognition followed soon after. Winning the Outstanding SME category at the Golden Bull Award 2025 further cemented SSH’s standing in the industry, highlighting its commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
Benjamin said the recognition reflects the company’s resilience and teamwork, and offers timely assurance to prospective partners as SSH moves into new sectors. The accolade, he added, is a shared achievement for the entire team, its partners and its clients.
Solutions beyond manufacturing
At the heart of SSH’s trajectory is a philosophy that distinguishes it in the crowded precision-engineering sector. Rather than positioning itself solely as a manufacturer, SSH operates as a solutions provider, a distinction driven by teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability. Benjamin emphasised that the business is “not a one-man show,” noting that its ability to meet customer challenges relies on the strength and commitment of its people.
This approach has sustained client relationships for nearly three decades. Every order, regardless of scale, receives the same meticulous attention, a reflection of a culture grounded in sincerity, consistency, and problem-solving.
In today’s globalised supply chain, certifications are key measures of credibility. SSH, already ISO 9001-certified, is pursuing ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and API Q1 to support its oil and gas operations. These standards not only ensure compliance but also position the company competitively against international peers.
The firm has also advanced its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, installing solar panels to reduce carbon emissions, enhancing workplace safety and inclusivity, and contributing to community programs. For SSH, ESG is both essential for working with multinational clients and a demonstration that Malaysian companies can compete on a global stage.
Malaysian manufacturers on the global stage
SSH Manufacturing’s trajectory echoes a wider ambition within Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem: to prove that local manufacturers can compete — and lead — on the world stage. As global supply chains shift and international clients seek reliable, high-standard partners, Malaysian companies with the right capabilities are well-positioned to rise.
SSH stands among the firms pushing the boundaries of homegrown manufacturing, blending engineering expertise with disciplined reinvestment and a customer-focused mindset.
“The world is changing fast. But if we stay sincere, stay consistent and keep providing the right solutions at the right time, we’ll continue to grow and show what Malaysian companies are capable of,” Benjamin said.
As SSH steps into its next chapter, eyeing new markets, new industries and a public listing, its journey offers a clear reminder: even the most global success stories often begin in small workshops, driven by families who see potential long before the world does.
Find out more about SSH Manufacturing Sdn Bhd’s journey and services via its website.
This series of Business Stories is in collaboration with BMI.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
