Positioned for hi-tech future

Meadville Limited, manufacturers of computer circuit boards, is planning to turn its local factory into a hi-tech centre to take advantage of a growing demand for technology-based products.

The company has two operations on the Tai Po Industrial Estate producing computer circuit boards, also known as printed wiring boards, and copper-clad laminate, the raw material for printed circuit boards.

Tom Tang, executive director for Meadville, said that, by 1999, the factory would be making complex hi-tech products on a 'small lot, fast turn' production basis.

He said the company enjoyed 30 per cent growth last year on sales of about US$120 million and was forecasting 25 per cent growth this year.

'This company is going through a major reinvestment programme this year and next. We are going to target very hi-tech type products.

'Basically, it will still be printed circuit boards but for different applications - digital cameras, camcorders,' Mr Tang said.

'This type of printed circuit board is only available in Japan and we have been in talks with Japanese consumer goods manufacturers to produce the printed wiring boards they require.' The company is investing about US$40 million to build another factory in Shanghai to be completed later this year. It will also produce computer circuit boards.