AUO and Wistron Tie Up in LCD TV Module Production

AU Optronics Corp (AUO) recently decided to set up a joint venture for making LCD TV panel modules with Taiwan-based Wistron Corp, a major EMS provider.

The venture, tentatively named Zhongshan BriVision Optronics Corp, will operate a module production factory at the "Wistron Optical Campus" of the Zhongshan Torch Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone in Guangdong Province, China.

AUO claimed that the new business model of allying with one of the world's leading ODMs will hopefully help not only broaden customer base, but also provide on-time and value-added services for customers by joining mutual strengths. Total solutions for design integration are included to bring about long term benefits for AUO and Wistron, seizing global business opportunities together, the panel manufacturer said.

Both the boards of directors of AUO and Wistron have approved to establish the joint venture with a registered capital of no more than $10 million. AUO and Wistron will own 51 and 49 percent of the shareholding of the joint venture, respectively.

Once the investment plan is approved, AUO's module plant presence in China will be raised. With services covering east, south, north and southeast China, AUO said that it would be able to more closely respond to customer requirements and strengthen its quality of services.

Wistron has been aggressively trying to win more LCD TV orders, aiming to this year ship more than five million TVs and more than 10 million in 2011.

TPV delivered more than 10 million LCD TVs last year, making it the world's largest maker of such product, and aims to ship more than 15 million units this year, further consolidating its lead.

Source: CENS