Lextar has had a strong emphasis on the backlight modules, but now it is shifting focus to the lighting market, according to David Su, president and chairman of the Taiwan-based LED company.

Su stated the goal for Lextar is to become an integrated lighting provider through cost, light quality, and smart control to bring value-added products to customers.

Currently Lextar has two types of customers, Su said. One is international brands with demand for lighting solutions. Su indicated that the cooperation between Lextar and international brands is very important because it can connect with the market directly and increase Lextar's sensitivity to market demand.

The other type of clients is regional second-tier lighting firms around the world. This is similar to do-it-yourself (DIY) type, and is valuable for Lextar as the company can provide designs and experience to these firms, Su stated.

Although demand for large-size LED backlight units (BLUs) has been unsatisfactiry, Su thinks LCD panels will continue to be the biggest applications for LEDs in the next 2-3 years.

However, lighting will catch up with the market value of backlight modules in the next 5-10 years, added Su. Lextar has been increasing the business for LED lighting in 2011 and anticipates lighting to reach 40% of total revenues by the end of the year.

Su pointed out that the key for lighting firms is the channels. Although Lextar will not develop its own brand, keeping good relationships with international firms will help to increase shipments of LED lighting products.

David Su, president and chairman of Lextar Electronics
Photo: Siu Han, Digitimes, June 2011