Q & A

1.KOE is a newly founded company. What is the background to its formation?

Kaohsiung Opto-Electronics (KOE), a wholly owned subsidiary of JDI, commenced operations on April 1st 2012 and has been created to support the display needs of the industrial marketplace. In Europe, a new re-branded and re-structured organisation, KOE Europe Ltd will focus on the sales and marketing of high reliability, industrial display products.

It was the desire of the Japanese display companies of Hitachi, Sony and Toshiba to create a world leading display business. Japanese venture capitalists the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) financed the formation of Japan Display Inc (JDI) to focus on and develop new technology for high volume business opportunities in the mobile phones, tablet computers, automotive and medical equipment.
2.Tell us about the products KOE will be bringing to the market

KOE inherits an established industrial LCD heritage from Japanese manufacturer Hitachi. KOE will continue to invest in in-plane-switching (IPS) technology and develop Rugged+ (highly ruggedized TFT displays) for niche high end market requirements. The needs and requirements of the industrial mass market will be the focus in the development of new products: form/fit/function, 30mth warranty, reliable and long term supply. KOE plans to increase its product portfolio to capture a greater market share in TFT, STN and custom STN displays.
3.What do you see as the key applications for these products?

KOE displays are predominantly design and developed for industrial products and applications which provide a wide and diverse marketplace. This fundamentally encompasses all application areas that are not automotive or mobile computing or communications. Fortunately, this will ensure there is no clash of business or market interests between KOE and JDI.

4.Where is the research and development base? Are there specific technologies being researched?

Kaohsiung Opto-Electronics will be the centre of excellence for the design and development of technologies to be used in industrial display products. Utilising the design and production facilities, formerly of Hitachi Displays, KOE will focus on developing and supplying a wide portfolio of STN and TFT displays. KOE also plans to provide value added display solutions that will include glass bonding, touch panels, wide viewing angle technology and cost effective custom STN displays.
5.Where are the products manufactured?

KOE is based in Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. KOE is responsible for module design, development, assembly and Q&A. KOE has full autonomy to purchase display components such as driver, backlight units, lcd glass cells from suppliers in Taiwan, Korea or Japan to ensure that the most cost effective display solution can be produced.

6.What are the initial challenges faced by KOE?

KOE is a new name and a new brand in the European electronic components marketplace. The key challenge for KOE is to cement the new display brand in people’s minds. We are confident that the legacy of Hitachi Displays will help KOE to develop and work in the European market as a strong and reliable, premium brand display supplier.

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Q & A

1.KOE is a newly founded company. What is the background to its formation?

2.Tell us about the products KOE will be bringing to the market

3.What do you see as the key applications for these products?

4.Where is the research and development base? Are there specific technologies being researched?

5.Where are the products manufactured?

6.What are the initial challenges faced by KOE?