9 April, 2007

Second Small-size LCD Backlight Factory Completed in China

On April 9, Omron Precision Technology Co., Ltd. (OPT), which is engaged in the development, manufacture and sales of small-size LCD backlight units, held an event to celebrate the completion of a second factory at its Chinese production base, Omron Precision Technology Suzhou Ltd. (OPT-SU), in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province.



Since its establishment in December 2003, OPT-SU has mainly produced molded backlight units for small-size LCDs, OPT’s mainstay product. With the establishment of the new factory, OPT-SU expects to further facilitate made-to-order production that can more accurately and thoroughly meet the demands of leading LCD manufacturers based in China. By building a comprehensive production system that covers everything from molding to unit assembly, OPT-SU will also be able to improve the speed and efficiency of its operations and reduce costs, steps that are aimed at further expanding sales.



The celebration was attended by some 130 people, including Deputy General Manager Zhen Ming Hu of the Administrative Committee of Suzhou National New and High-Tech Industrial Development Zone (SND), Omron customers, President Tetsuo Onishi of Wuxi Sharp Electronic Components Co., Ltd. and General Manager Ito of the Procurement HQ of Sharp Corporation. Omron’s business partners in China and Japan were also present, along with those involved in construction. From ECB, Company President Soichi (Steve) Yukawa and Managing Officer Kuninori Hamaguchi joined the OPT-SU staff in the celebration.

During the ceremony, ECB President Yukawa expressed his ambitions for assuming an important role in China, namely, to contribute to the development of the Chinese economy and the improvement of living conditions through Omron’s production bases and sales networks. He also stressed that China is an extremely important market for Omron and expressed his expectation of further growth.

President Tetsuo Onishi of Wuxi Sharp Electronic Components also offered a congratulatory message in which he praised OPT-SU, referring to the company as an “important supplier” of small-size LCD backlight units. He expressed his hope that Omron will continue meeting the company’s delivery and quality requirements while developing new technologies. Deputy General Manager Hu of the SND Administrative Committee also spoke, wishing for Omron’s further growth and success in China. He added that the success of Japanese companies is welcomed and greatly appreciated by Suzhou City and conveyed his strong belief that these activities will help promote deeper friendship between China and Japan, as well as encourage the economic growth of both nations.

The guests who attended the ceremony then moved to nearby Shangri-la Hotel for a banquet, during which OPT-SU Chairman Isamu Horimoto expressed his appreciation to government officials, associates and everyone else who helped the company realize the successful completion of its second factory. He then shared the company’s goal to produce ‘global no. 1’ products in terms of quality, efficiency and environmental friendliness by drawing on its newly established production system. Mr. Horimoto also expressed OPT-SU’s determination to promote business operations that are deeply rooted in the local community and capitalize on local human resources by living up to Omron’s corporate core value of ‘working for the benefit of society’.





Overview of OPT-SU

Company Name:	Omron Precision Technology Suzhou Ltd.
Date of Establishment:	December 30, 2003
Start of operations:	January 27, 2005
Business Lines:	Manufacture of backlight units for small-size LCDs
Representatives:	Chairman: Isamu Horimoto President: Hisakazu Yamamoto
Capital:	US$6 million (approx. JPY 690 million)
Investment Ratio:	Omron Precision Technology Co., Ltd.: 90% Omron (China) Co., Ltd.: 10%
Location:	No. 118 Wangmi Street, South of Taishan Road, East of Jianlin Road Suzhou New District, Jiang Su Province, 215011 P.R. China
Site Area:	30,000m2
Total Floor Area:	14,120m2
Employees:	850 (as of April 2007, incl. temporary workers)
Production Capacity:	8 million units/month