Taiwanese Electronics Manufacturers to Gain Steam from Launch of iPad Mini

Taipei, Oct. 24, 2012 (CENS)--With Apple Inc.'s newest blockbuster product, iPad Mini, already hitting the market to trigger a sales boom, Taiwanese contract electronics manufacturers involved in the supply chain are very likely to see their revenue surge in the fourth quarter of this year.

Unveiled on October 23, the long-awaited iPad Mini adopts the next-generation connectors and features beefed-up hardware specifications, highly evaluated among Apple manias, with market observers optimistically estimating single-month sales of the new electronic device to exceed one million units.

To coordinate with Apple in promotion of iPad Mini, a couple of Taiwanese contract suppliers of related parts and components have ramped up output and hence are expected to gain considerable momentum for business growth in the fourth quarter.

Among them is Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd., a manufacturer contracted by Apple to supply the next-generation connector for iPad Mini. Cheng Uei has set its four manufacturing plants in China to heavily roll out the component, and has been required by Apple to build an inventory for up to one-month supply.

Busy with delivery to Apple, Cheng Uei is very likely to see its revenue exceed the level of NT$10 billion to hit a new single-month high in October, as the next-generation connectors ordered are allegedly shipped at a price four times higher than conventional models.

Taiwan's printed circuit board (PCB) sector has also profited from iPad Mini. Market observers pointed out that FPC (flexible printed circuit) manufacturers as Zhen Ding Tech., FLEXium Interconnect and Career Technology are expected to achieve double-digit revenue growth in the fourth quarter, mostly thanks to shipment to Apple.

Meanwhile, AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), which is contracted by Apple to supply 40% of needed panels for iPad Mini, and Taiwan Surface Mounting Technology Corp., whose shipments of light bars and LCD control panels have significantly increased mainly on launch of iPad Mini, will hopefully finish the fourth quarter with brisk revenue growth.