May 29 2007
Perlos has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US based company Serigraph Inc. on in-mould labelling (IML) technology. Serigraph is one of the world's leading manufacturers of IML technology and products, and Perlos will begin to offer Serigraph's IML technology as part of its service for its handset customers. In the first stage the concept will be set up in Guangzhou, China, but the parties agree to look for possibilities to copy the concept in other Perlos locations.
IML technology enables the flexible coating and decoration of products already in the injection moulding phase, and is a commonly used technology in today's mobile phones. IML is especially suitable for the printing of pictures, text and logos as well as making imitation leather or wood effects. IML can also replace painting to some extent.
Factory-in-factory concept in Guangzhou
The objective of the partnership is to provide a cost efficient, lean IML supply concept from Perlos’ plants to existing and new customers. The parties intend to establish a co-operation model in which Serigraph and its joint venture partner in China, S.E. Printing, will build an IML factory within Perlos' premises in Guangzhou, China. This will enable a highly efficient and seamless manufacturing process for the benefit of both companies' customers.
Perlos and Serigraph also agree to collaborate to develop new and unique IML applications for mobile devices, integrated covers being one key development area.
Perlos' Chief Technology Officer Timo Seppä states that this partnership complements Perlos' service offering in decoration.
- IML is a steadily growing handset technology, and this unique factory-in-factory concept will supply us with a very competitive manufacturing process, he says.
Serigraph's Chief Operating Officer Sean Torinus adds:
- This business model will offer all of the benefits of a tightly integrated manufacturing operation, built on the specific expertise of two best-in-class organisations, Perlos and Serigraph. This partnership represents a major step forward for the decoration of mobile handsets.