Seven Taiwanese LCD panel equipment makers, including Mirle Automation, Gallant Precision Machining, Hiwin Mikrosystem, CSun MFG, Usan, Mactech, and E-Sun Precision announced on January 23 that they plan to form a strategic alliance for large-size LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel equipment. By pooling their technologies, these firms are scheduled to co-develop new LCD panel production equipment. The companies hope to increase their share of equipment used in the Taiwanese LCD panel industry, which currently relies heavily on production equipment imported from overseas.