Merck opens new tech development center

The center held its inauguration yesterday, and will be focusing on the development of new technology; studying OLED (organic light-emitting diode) and flexible panels, LED lighting and 3D techniques, said Hsieh. He added that the Center will provide punctual local service, reducing the technology development time span by 1-1.5 years for local clients.

OLEDs are used to create digital displays in devices such as television screens, computer monitors, portable systems such as mobile phones, handheld games consoles and PDAs.

An OLED is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which there is a film of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current, commonly used in the lighting industry.

With Taiwan being at the forefront of new technologies including PS-VA panels and 4K2K panels, the future of the monitor and lighting industries is looking bright, said Merck Worldwide CEO Bernd Reckmann, emphasizing Merck's insight into the potential development of OLED and flexible panels in the future technology market.

Other than the emphasis on developing new technologies, the Merck development center allows for the optimal use of key materials in the Asia market; speeding up the market layout as laboratory resources and research results are open for sharing, assisting Taiwanese factories in utilizing commercial potential.

Merck plans on the importation of the latest materials and techniques (including the OLED inkjet technology), as a means to work around the current bottleneck of new technology development in Taiwan and to popularize new products.

The principle reason why Merck chose Taiwan to establish its new tech development center is Taiwan's leading position and industrial advantages in producing laptops, smartphones, plasma TVs, semiconductors, various panels and monitors, according to Reckmann.

The outstanding investment environment provides the logical breeding ground for new technologies when combined with dedicated local employees and quality manufacturing chains, Reckmann pointed out.

As Taiwan supplies advanced facilities and techniques, Merck finds it to be a desirable setting for producing technologies it aims to develop, and to provide face-to-face services unhindered by time differences. By eliminating the time difference, development staff can conduct development procedures according to the preferences of each client, shortening the time spent on product advancement, according to the chief executive.