Omron Corporation and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) Thursday announced the opening of Omron's Hong Kong Design Center focusing on LCD backlight development for mobile phones.

Omron, one of Japan's largest electronics companies, is well known for the production of backlights for LCD displays, especially for color mobile phones.

Its new design and development facility at the Hong Kong Science Park is being established to provide a design base to address LCD producers in Chinese mainland and Taiwan who are rapidly expanding production to meet demand, according to sources with the company.

"The Hong Kong science Park is an ideal location to serve as a base for dealing with Taiwan and mainland LCD makers, mobile phone makers, and design houses. The new design center will develop standard products that respond to local needs," said Kuninori Hamaguchi, managing officer of Omron Corporation.

Revenues from Omron's total backlight business (small to large size) are expected to be about 30 billion yen (277 million US dollars) in fiscal year 2006, with approximately 20 percent attributed to design and development at its new Hong Kong design center, the company said.