Qualcomm and Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs to extend region's display technology industry

SAN DIEGO, USA & TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc. announced the culmination of months of collaboration with Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to expand the manufacturing capacity of mirasol displays in Taiwan with the construction of a new fabrication facility in Longtan.

The initial phase of the announced facility is expected to result in up to $975 million US of investment by Qualcomm, and the facility is expected to be operational in 2012.

This investment and facility demonstrates the continued maturation of the flat panel display industry in Taiwan by way of close collaboration with the MOEA. As a major hub for manufacturing electronic components for the global technology industry, Taiwan is at the leading edge of the growing communications technology market.

“The Ministry of Economic Affairs has played a key role in Qualcomm growing its presence in Taiwan,” said Jim Cathey, vice president of business development, Qualcomm MEMS Technologies. “Our relationship with Taiwanese government agencies on all levels has resulted in valuable and important milestones being met. We wish to express our gratitude to MOEA Minister Dr. Shih Yen-Shiang and his very capable and dedicated team for their strong support of Qualcomm and for their efforts to make Taiwan an attractive investment destination.”

“We are happy to be a part of Qualcomm’s growing business activities in Taiwan and look forward to further strengthening the display technology industry in the coming years,” said Dr. Shih Yen Shiang, MOEA minister.

The new facility will further support Qualcomm’s commercialization of small-to medium-sized mirasol displays. The new facility will be located in the Longtan base of the Hsinchu Science Park.