German-based polymer specialist Rehau, which opened its new office and showroom at 10 Boulevard in Petaling Jaya, Selangor today, is looking forward to setting up its official legal entity by the end of this year.

Its Asia Pacific CEO, Damian Kirby said after a presence of over 15 years in Malaysia, the company is committed to having a long-term future in Malaysia, bringing its innovations and technologies to the local market and hoping to establish a self-sustaining organisation.

"We believe Malaysia is robust and provides a good platform for the company's next generation.

"After setting up the legal identity (Sendirian Berhad), we hope to further grow our business in this region and perhaps have a production plant here," Kirby told reporters after the launch of Rehau Malaysia's showroom and representative office here today.

The company has manufacturing plants in Thailand, Indonesia, India and China.

Meanwhile its South East Asia director, Stefano Mattioli, said among the projects it is currently supporting in Malaysia is the development of the rail industry.

"We are working closely with all agencies and contractors involved in the extension of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and we see this as a unique opportunity for us not only to bring our innovative technology transfer but also to develop a team of experts and support the region's growth," said Mattioli.

He said the company would focus on the construction, furniture, appliances and transportation sectors and hope to establish their brand as the preferred partner within the next five years.

Founded in 1948 in the Bavarian town of Rehau, the international leader in the construction and automotive industries, with operations in over 170 locations worldwide and about 20,000 employees, provides over 15,000 different polymer-based products to tens of industries.