Acer Inc, part of top Taiwan computer manufacturer Acer Group, and US electronics manufacturing services company Solectron Corp have formed a strategic alliance which aims to be a global leader in the emerging internet appliance industry.
They have agreed to jointly provide worldwide computer design and manufacturing services on an ODM (original design manufacturer) basis, initially concentrating on PCs, servers and workstations. But they plan also to into laptop PCs and the latest generation of internet appliances.
Announcing the partnership, Acer Group chairman and chief executive Stan Shih and his counterpart at Solectron, Ko Nishimura, said the partnership gives the two companies a pre-emptive ability to develop and deliver to market quality commercial and consumer electronic products before other companies can develop them.
Nishimura said many Acer and Solectron customers need comprehensive design manufacturing solutions, together with global materials leverage, manufacturing, distribution, logistics and services support. With the combined resources of Acer and Solectron, we will provide a truly one-stop solution for customers of both companies’ OEM-branded products, he said.
The two partners say they have already have begun discussions with potential customers which should see initial joint production before the end of this year.