A process for producing a pre-plated leadframe that has enhanced adhesion by molding compound is provided, wherein a base leadframe material is first plated with multiple layers of metallic material. Thereafter, the plated base leadframe material is covered with a mask, so as to expose selected surfaces thereof at unmasked areas where enhanced adhesion of molding compound is desired. The said unmasked areas are plated with a layer of copper before removing the mask. Optionally, the layer of copper may further be oxidized to form a layer of specially controlled copper oxide.