Sir Andrew Cahn (left) and David Campbell (right) congratulated James Hwang, Kenmark's Chairman, for setting up a LCD TV factory in Corby.

Sir Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) today announced the biggest single new investment to the UK from Taiwan. Kenmark Industrial, a Taiwanese firm that specialises in the manufacture of state-of-the-art liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions, has set up a factory in Corby, Northamptonshire, East Midlands in the UK.

Kenmark Industrial has leased the 150,000 square-foot facility for a LCD TV manufacturing plant. The factory will start operating in Oct 2009, creating around 500 jobs over the next three years. This new investment is one of the biggest investments to the UK from Asia in recent years. Kenmark Industrial’s European Headquarters, Kenmark Europe, is also located in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK.

Sir Andrew Cahn said, “This investment is a great boost for the region and is very welcome.’ ‘It comes at a time when manufacturers have been struggling. This vote of confidence in the UK and its manufacturing base will give people great confidence. Kenmark recognises that the UK is the best place to establish a European operation. We have a great business culture and we are the springboard from which companies can move into markets around the world.”

“I will take a strong interest in their fortunes and enjoy hearing about their success” Sir Andrew Cahn added.

Kenmark Chairman James Hwang said “We are delighted to announce that we are now establishing our manufacturing facilities in Corby on a par with the global standard. The location is ideal and provides Kenmark with a base from which to continue our growth while providing the local community with diverse and secure employment opportunities. Also, I want to thank UKTI, and the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) for their great support. Without them, we would not have set up the operation so successfully.”

Over the past three years, emda’s International team has worked with UKTI to secure the Kenmark deal. Together, the teams have carried out location searches, provided labour market and sector based research, introduced the company to intermediary experts, and will continue to work with Kenmark with their recruitment needs.

Bryan Jackson, emda’s Chairman said, “This is a great example of what Regional Development Agencies can do to help bring investment into the East Midlands. I’m delighted that Kenmark has chosen Corby, and at the job prospects this will bring for the local population, particularly at this difficult time for the economy. This is proof that manufacturing is alive and kicking in the UK.”

Many Taiwanese businesses are taking advantage of the UK’s world-class creativity and innovation and are using the UK as a base to expand their businesses internationally. Other Taiwanese investment cases include:

• IC design company MediaTek set up its R&D centre in Cambridge and recently moved to larger premises.
• Chang Chun Group has established its European Headquarters in the UK.
• Yang Ming Marine has expanded its UK operations, with an additional logistics centre in Manchester to serve the UK market.

The UK has attracted the majority of Taiwanese investment in Europe. 180 Taiwanese companies have operations in the UK. Many of these such as D-Link, HTC and Evergreen are using the UK as the base for their European headquarters. UKTI’s Inward Investment team in Taiwan helps companies set up in the UK and supports them in developing a successful European business.

The UK offers economic stability, low inflation and low levels of taxation. It also offers support with R&D and access to a highly talented, diverse, and cost-effective workforce. In 2008/09 financial year, the UK received US$1,348 billion of global FDI stock and a market share of 8.9%.

Notes for Editors

About UK Trade & Investment
UK Trade & Investment is the specialist government organisation that supports:

• foreign companies seeking to set up or expand in the UK, and
• UK-based companies to trade internationally.

UK Trade & Investment provides a fully integrated advisory service, delivering the latest business intelligence through a global network of commercial teams worldwide. Official website: www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

About Kenmark
Kenmark is a global company established in 1978 for manufacturing and marketing worldwide and boasting offices throughout Europe, UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. While LCD televisions are a core business, Kenmark also produce different kinds of furniture, and market hardware, lighting, beauty and personal care, and many other product categories worldwide. With offices in Taipei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China and a new manufacturing plant and office in Vietnam, Kenmark is a success story continuing its incredible growth despite the global downturn.  

About East Midlands Development Agency
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England, set up in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development.

Media contact
Christy Wang, Head of Communications, British Trade and Cultural Office
Tel: (02)8758 2015/ Email: Christy.Wang@fco.gov.uk

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