Lite-On IT, a member of the Lite-On Group, is establishing automated production lines for LED light bulbs and will begin volume production in the third quarter of 2013 with initial shipments to US-based retail channels, according to group president Warren Chen.
Lite-On predicts LED lighting module shipments will grow significantly in 2013. Chen added that in the future, the parent company, Lite-On Technology, will focus on packaging components while Lite-On Automotive focuses on automobile lighting and plans to add new customers from China and Japan. Lite-On IT has been entering the LED lighting market while Leotek will continue to focus on street lamp products, said Chen. The Lite-On Group plans to add 20-50% of LED capacity to accommodate rising demand.
Chen added that Lite-On IT plans to build automated production lines for LED light bulbs and strengthen cooperation with US-based customers. Despite the fact that price competition in the LED light bulb market has been severe, Lite-On IT does not plan to enter the low price market. Chen stated that the firm plans to introduce products for the niche market to maintain healthy gross margins.
According to industry sources, LED light bulbs from Lite-On IT adopt LED chips from Epistar and volume production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter.
Chen predicted second-quarter performance will show sequential growth.
