Korea's Samsung has expanded its operations in
Tianjin, China, by setting up an LED (Light Emitting Diode) manufacturing base
and a research institute in the city, according to Xinhua reports on May 9 and
12, respectively. Samsung has placed a starting capital of US$30 million in
establishing the LED manufacturing base, named Tianjin Samsung LED, which will
be located in the TEDA (Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area). The
initial investment is expected to amount to US$90 million, according to the
Xinhua report. However, it is as yet unclear when construction on the base, Samsung's
first overseas LED manufacturing facility, will commence.
At the same time, Samsung Group has begun
construction on a research institute in Tianjin for the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
and EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) testing of its products and components,
according to a May 12 Xinhua report. Also located in the TEDA, the institute is
planned to cover an area of 6,000 square meters and involve an investment of
US$10.5 million. Construction on the institute is scheduled for completion by
year-end 2009. The institute is expected to help Samsung's China subsidiaries
adapt their products to technical standards in different countries.