Taiwan-based Walsin Lihwa Group has invested US$200 million to build an LED lighting plant in Shannxi, China, to seize the huge business opportunities in Chinese LED market, according to the group chairman Chiao Yu-lon.

The Group plans to invest US$200 million in the business diversification project, and will spend US$55 million for construction in the first stage. The plant is estimated to be operational at the end of this year for the earliest, and will specialize in LED lighting assembly. The investment is paving the way for Walsin Lihwa to venture into China’s LED lighting market, with LED streetlights being promoted in cities throughout the country.

One of Taiwan’s top ten biggest companies, the group has expanded its business from communication cables into semiconductors, display panels, MLCC (multi-layer ceramic capacitor) and PCB (printed circuit boards). Recently, the group has been investing in development of MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) and LEDs. Its affiliate Walsin Info-electric Inc. specializes in manufacturing bulbs and lighting fixtures under its own Walsin brand.