IMI unit, Toppan of Japan form JV

An overseas unit of Ayala-led Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. has teamed up with Toppan Printing Co. Ltd., a leading printing company in Japan, to set up a new sensor production facility in Higashiomi, Shiga prefecture.

The venture was created through IMI’s Germany-based subsidiary Via optronics GmbH, a leading supplier of interactive display solutions, with core competence in optical bonding for sunlight readability and robustness, and high-performing touch-display modules.

Based on a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Via optronics and Toppan Printing have agreed to form the joint venture called VTS Touchsensor Co. Ltd. This will be done by transferring 65 percent of the shares of Toppan Touch Panel Products Ltd., which was spun off from Toppan, to VIA.

VTS will develop and manufacture the metal mesh touch sensors in Japan on the premises of Toppan.

VIA is seen to leverage its years of knowledge and experience of market requirements, system-level design and production in the automotive, consumer and industrial markets to support further development of the core sensor technology.

“Using the experience of both companies, VTS will provide game-changing metal mesh touch sensors to their existing and future customer base,” VIA chief executive officer Juergen Eichner said.