Taiwan-based PCB manufacturers, such as Taiwan PCB Techvest (TPT) and Apex International, are gearing up for the miniLED-backlit TV market boom as they have cut into supply chains of major makers in the new segment, according to industry sources.
TPT, long engaged in production of backlight modules for TVs, digital signage and notebooks, reportedly has started shipments of its miniLED-backlight boards to China's TCL, who is rolling out TVs featuring miniLED backlighting technology to meet competition from other vendors including Samsung Electronics, the sources said.
Apex, with main manufacturing operations in Thailand, is running at full capacity with good yield rates for miniLED-backlight boards to support Samsung's production of new TVs at its assembly lines in Vietnam, the sources continued.
Apart from supplying LCD TV boards for Samsung, Apex is now the sole provider of miniLED-backlight boards for the Korean giant, the sources said. As Samsung is likely to expand its shipments this year to boost its market share in the new TV segment, Apex is moving to adjust its labor force and production lines to meet the demand, noted the sources.
Taiwan's leading PCB maker Zhen Ding Technology is also gearing up production of miniLED-backlight boards for Apple's new iPad and MacBook series, the sources said, adding that Tripod Technology's offerings are also being validated by Apple.
But other PCB makers in Taiwan are not as interested in venturing into the new sector, as miniLED-backlight board production involves heavy initial investments and high technology thresholds. But this in turn will promise a stable growth environment for those already engaged in the new PCB segment, the sources said.
