KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 8): Newly-listed LKL International Bhd, a manufacturer of healthcare beds and peripherals, has bought a fully automated computer numeric control (CNC) punching machine, which it said will allow the group to increase its production efficiency and catch up with the rising demand for healthcare facility.

In a bourse filing today, LKL International said it had signed a purchasing contract with TRUMPF Group from Germany to acquire the punching machine for €318,000 (about RM1.44 million).

The machine is targeted to be delivered and installed within five to six months upon payment, it said.

The CNC punching machine will mainly be used for punching processes for steel sheets under the production line.

“The market demand for the medical/healthcare industry appears to remain resilient, which allows us to expand our business more aggressively. We believe that with the newly acquired CNC machine, we will be able to cater to higher volume demands from our clients in the future,” said LKL International managing director Lim Kon Lian.

Since its listing on the ACE Market on May 16 this year, LKL International shares have been averaging at 42.5% higher than its initial public offering price of 20 sen.

Today, the counter closed unchanged at 28 sen, valuing it at RM120.06 million.