Companies Flock to JTC's Woodlands North Coast: A Strategic Move Toward Malaysia and Innovation

In a bold move reflecting Singapore's dynamic industrial landscape, German sensor manufacturer SICK has established its office at the Woodlands North Coast district, a development designed not just for functionality but also for innovation and aesthetics. This burgeoning 100-hectare mixed-use industrial estate, situated within the Woodlands Regional Centre, promises not only cutting-edge workspaces but also lush recreational areas, enhancing the overall work-life balance for its tenants.

The JTC (Jurong Town Corporation), which manages the country's industrial spaces, recently completed two multi-tenanted industrial developments in August 2021. As part of their commitment to adapt to evolving industry requirements, JTC is poised to announce further development plans in the district, anticipated to cater more effectively to the varied sectors operating in Singapore.

SICK’s managing director for Product Center Asia, Jack Goh, expressed enthusiasm about the estate's clean, modern design, noting its potential to significantly elevate corporate branding. The innovative space allocation at Woodlands North Coast deviates from traditional industrial spaces, offering a unique 30% allocation for production and a substantial 70% dedicated to service-oriented and knowledge-based activities. This deliberate choice allows companies like SICK to foster creativity and collaboration among their engineering teams, who comprise over 50% of the firm's workforce.

Goh emphasized that the new arrangement enables staff to work more flexibly and creatively. "Having the right mix of office and social spaces encourages our engineers to be more agile in their thinking,” he explained. He also highlighted logistical challenges faced by employees who commute across the border, expressing hope that the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS) connecting Singapore and Malaysia will enhance operational efficiency and ease daily commutes.

Property analyst Alan Cheong from Savills Singapore noted that the RTS will not only facilitate smoother worker commutes but might also alleviate some of the hiring challenges companies face due to current foreign worker policies. He described the improved connectivity as a game changer for businesses relying on cross-border talent.

With over 65% of the Woodlands North Coast already occupied by companies in high-demand sectors like semiconductor and biomedical, JTC anticipates a continuing influx of new tenants, drawn in by the site's strategic location. Companies with headquarters in Singapore paired with manufacturing facilities in Malaysia find Woodlands North Coast particularly appealing, given that it is just a brisk 10-minute walk from the future RTS station.

The district's development aligns with Singapore's broader decentralization strategy, aimed at creating self-contained regional centres that bring jobs closer to residential areas, particularly for those living in the northern part of the island. JTC is currently revisiting its space allocation strategies to ensure they meet the changing needs of the industry, which may include integrating underground networks to facilitate more efficient movement of people and goods within the estate.

Moreover, the Woodlands North Coast is earmarked as a crucial entry point into the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), sparking significant interest among businesses keen to understand the opportunities this zone will bring. As discussions loom between Singapore and Malaysia, particularly at the anticipated 11th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat later this year, many are eager for insights into collaborative opportunities that may arise.

Stay tuned as JTC continues to shape the future of industrial space in Singapore, fostering innovation and connectivity like never before!