MIRDC signs MOU with YSK

Taipei, Feb. 19, 2003 (CENS)--The semi-official Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan's Yamamoto Suiatu Kogyosho Co., Ltd. (YSK) in Kaohsiung of southern Taiwan.

The MOU was signed by Yao Shyh-feng, president of MIRDC and Tomohiro Yamamoto, president of YSK. The MOU was achieved under the assistance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

According to the MOU, YSK will transfer manufacturing technology for hydro-forming equipment exclusively to MIRDC in Taiwan. Manufacturers on the island can only introduce the technology through MIRDC. YSK will provide the drawings for a component that can be manufactured in Taiwan and promote the assembly of the device at factories introduced by MIRDC.

MIRDC said the hydro-forming technology will help elevate the competitiveness of the domestic transportation vehicle industry and could generate NT$5 billion (US$143.67 million at US$1:NT$34.8) in business opportunities for Taiwan.

MIRDC said that vehicle makers worldwide have been trying to use light materials to reduce the weight of their products. Used for the processing of hollow metal components, the advanced hydro-forming technology is expected to replace conventional technologies of stamping, welding and die-casting in the next few years. The new technology will also help manufacturers reduce production costs by at least one-third.

"We will greatly promote the hydro-forming technology in Taiwan for the manufacturing of bicycles, motorcycles, and sanitary and bathroom hardware," said Yao.

According to tests made by Japan's Toyota Motors Co., vehicles with hollow structures made by hydro-forming technology are safer than those with components made by conventional stamping and welding technologies.

Some world-renowned motor manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, and KIA, have introduced hydro-forming technology to produce chassis, body parts, structural parts, and exhaust systems.

Dana Co., a leading automobile parts manufacturer, estimates that chassis made by the hydro-forming technology will account for over half of the world production in 2004, according to Paul C.K. Chung, vice president of MIRDC. "The advanced technology can help substantially reduce the weight and volume of automobile parts, and the costs in mold making," he said.