Taiwan-based equipment makers are seeing strong orders thanks to expansion plans by LCD panel, touch panel and solar cell makers, according to industry sources, adding that order visibility has reached the third quarter already.

Equipment maker Mirle Automation currently has NT$3.5 billion (US$119.2 million) of orders on hand. Its January revenues totaled NT$537 million, down 21% on month but up 40% on year. The company pointed to seasonal cycle for the monthly sales decline. January pre-tax profit rose 57% on year to NT$45 million or NT$0.27 a share, and EPS came to NT$0.26.

Due to less working days, Mirle expects another monthly sales decline for February, but revenues should recover to normal levels in March. It is currently in talks with several China-based panel makers.

Fellow equipment provider has received NT$1-2 billion in orders, mostly for solar and LCD panel equipment. The company indicated that its 200MWp turnkey solution for solar cell production has generated interest from two clients from Taiwan and China.