In addition to Taiwan-based component suppliers, Intel is now also inviting China-based suppliers to join its 2-in-1 product supply chain, hoping to leverage their cost advantages to compete in the IT market, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.
For hinge supplies, besides Taiwan-based Shin Zu Shing (SZS), Jarllytec and Sinher Technology, Intel also has included solutions from China-based makers such as Dongguan Chenggong Precision and Kunshan Voso Hinge Electronic Technology.
Chenggong is currently a hinge supplier for several China-based brand vendors such as Haier, Hasee, Malata and Tsinghua Tongfang, while Voso is supplying hinges to Asustek Computer.
As for touchscreen solutions, several China-based makers in related fields have also joined Intel's supply chain including DPT Touch, Ultrasonic Instrument, Holitech, Laibao, CSG Holding and Top Touch Electronics.
Facing the rise of China-based component suppliers, Taiwan-based makers pointed out that they have already felt the pressure since China-based suppliers are able to offer quotes lower than theirs and are willing to take orders of any sizes.
Most first-tier brand vendors currently still choose to adopt components made by Taiwan- or Japan-based makers for their mid-range and high-end PC or tablets products. But as Intel has been aggressively nurturing China-based supply chains, finding new strategies to face China competitors has already become a new focus of Taiwan-based makers.
