Increasing market acceptance draws more players

Although LED lamps have only about 2 percent penetration rate worldwide, their growing popularity as energy-efficient alternatives to conventional light sources is attracting traditional light makers and LED packaging designers. Adding to suppliers’ interest in the line is the fact that applications have increased because of the robust shipment pull-in from lighting manufacturers.

The segment has evolved from ambient types, including architectural, control, channel letter, landscape and retail/display lighting, to functional models. Examples of the latter are reading, recessed and streetlights, spotlights, and tubes and bulbs. The selection eventually included units for general lighting selections. After standardization, the industry is expected to enjoy healthy competition, which can drive less-costly mass production.

Currently, there are more than 100 makers of LED lights and cluster lamps in Taiwan, and the number of new players is expected to continue rising. Some are smaller designers that carry OEM and ODM services.