26 Aug The Origin of Spun Piles and ICP’s Journey as Malaysia’s Pioneer
When people talk about modern foundations, spun piles often come up as the first choice. But this technology has a story that goes back more than half a century, and ICP has been at the heart of it in Malaysia.
How Spun Piles Began
Spun pile technology began in Japan in the 1970s and ICP Piles introduced it to Malaysia almost concurrently by Mr. Lim Yong Keat, founder of Industrial Concrete Products Sdn Bhd—showcasing ICP’s rapid adoption and leadership in global construction trends.
In 1977, Industrial Concrete Products (ICP Piles) became the first Malaysian company to produce spun piles locally. Backed by Jurutama Sdn Bhd and Mitsui Construction Co. Ltd., Japan, the company manufactured spun piles for the construction of the Prai Power Station. ICP Piles introduced Japanese know-how and established the nation’s first fully integrated spun pile factory in Bukit Tengah, Seberang Perai, Penang.
During the 1980s and 1990s, ICP expanded across the country with new factories in Shah Alam (1981), Gong Badak (1987), Kapar (1988), Lumut (1993), and acquisitions in Ipoh and Nilai (1994), offering nationwide reach and advanced capabilities, including jetty access and pile-joining of up to 70 m.
Why the Spinning Method Matters
This spinning technique wasn’t just a smart idea — it changed pile performance completely. By removing excess water and compacting the concrete, it resulted in piles that are far stronger, longer-lasting, and more reliable under heavy load. That’s why spun piles quickly became the preferred choice for modern foundations.
Coming to Malaysia
By the 1980s, Malaysia needed stronger foundations for ports, bridges, and the country’s first wave of high-rise buildings. Spun piles proved to be the smarter solution: quicker to install, tougher in soft ground, and more reliable in aggressive soil. Very quickly, they replaced older piling systems in many large projects.
ICP Leads the Way
For almost 50 years, ICP Piles has been a trusted name among engineers and contractors, operating 8 plants and supplying piles both locally and internationally today. From its roots in Japan’s 1950s engineering breakthroughs to its place in Malaysia since 1977, spun pile technology has changed how foundations are built. ICP Piles is proud to have led that change and remains committed to building stronger, greener, and smarter solutions for the future.
