Executive chairman Datuk Seri Stanley Thai Kim Sim said the glove maker’s two new factories, code-named Factory 10 and 11, would be fully commissioned by March next year, each installed with up to 24 high-yield production lines, which could produce between 42,000 and 45,000 pieces per hour.

"We are currently building the plant in stages where the plants will be installed with 20 production lines by this year and four will be commissioning by 1Q next year.

"The production lines, besides being high-yield, is also inter-changeable where it can produce both nitrile and natural rubber gloves," he told reporters in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur last Friday.

Currently Supermax's annual production stands close to 20 billion pieces, maintaining its position as the world’s second largest rubber gloves producer by volume.

After full commissioning of the two new factories, Thai said production ratio between nitrile gloves and natural rubber gloves would be 55:45, respectively. The current ratio stands at 50:50.

Thai said the gloves industry moving forward will focus on expanding the production of natural rubber gloves instead of nitrile gloves, as demand for latex gloves have risen in recent times due to low supply in the global market.

"Every player is focusing on nitrile gloves as the margin is better. But the demand for natural rubber gloves is growing although the supply capacity remains the same.

"So, I think all glove makers would put their nitrile gloves production expansion to temporary rest while focusing to meet the demand for natural rubber gloves," he said, while adding that Supermax will be embarking on the Gloves City project which will focus on producing demand-driven gloves.

Thai said the Gloves City project will be commissioned in phases, with the whole project expected to take up to 12 years to complete.

He said Supermax aims to get all necessary approvals to kick-start construction by year-end.

"The product ion lines installed there will also be interchangeable. So, in case the natural rubber gloves' demand has been met by the plant's commissioning, we can do nitrile gloves. But for now, as per demand, the plant will be producing natural rubber gloves," said Thai.

Overall, Thai said 2015 would be a good year for the rubber gloves industry as the demand and consumption remain strong while the strengthening of the US dollar against the ringgit puts the gloves export in a favourable gain for companies like Supermax.

"The gloves industry will be in a very good position this year provided there is no sudden increase in electricity tariff and gas tariff. Raw material prices are also expected to be more stable this year," he said.

In a related development, Thai said Supermax has invested RM65 million to date for its latest business venture to produce eye lens and eye care products.

The new business, which Thai said complements the company's existing supply chain, will be marketed in countries that Supermax has built a strong name for itself, such as Brazil, the US, Canada, the UK and Germany.

"The highly automated contact lens plant will be located in Selangor as well. But, I do not want to divulge too much information as we would announce the official launch in due course," he said.