Windows 8 Ups Contract System Assemblers' Shipments in Sept.

Taipei, Nov. 8, 2012 (CENS)--Some contract system makers in Taiwan saw sales growth in September, and anticipate even-better results in October, thanks to the Windows 8 effects, according to industry sources.

Wistron Corp., a major EMS (electronics manufacturing services) provider, reported consolidate revenue of NT$58.4 billion (US$1.95 billion) in September, up 26.8% month-on-month (MoM); while Invetec Corp., another major contract system assembler, had revenue of NT$26.8 billion (US$882.3 million), a 26.1% MoM increase.

Notebook PC makers in Taiwan say the Windows 8 new operating system (OS) is expected to boost contract assemblers' shipments, repeating the scenario of the Windows 7 in 2009. After Microsoft launched Windows 7 in October 2009, the PC shipment surge lasted throughout the first half of 2010.

Wistron pointed out that its shipments in September grew to some 2.9 million units, up about 32% MoM from 2.2 million, also delivering 23.8 million notebook PCs in the first three quarters.

Thanks to major customer HP's strong demand, Inventec enjoyed clear consumer notebook PC shipment increase in September.

Quanta Computer Inc., a major notebook PC contract maker, had consolidate revenue of NT$83.5 billion (US$2.8 billion) in September, a surprising 0.1% MoM decline.

Asustek Computer Inc. (Asus brand), a brand vendor, had revenue of NT$33.8 billion (US$1.1 billion), up 5% MoM; but its consolidate revenue dropped by about 20% MoM. However, the firm is confident in achieving a record monthly high in October after accounting for revenue from its Windows 8 products.

According to Asus, its tablet PC shipments were smooth in September, but the higher unit-price Windows 8 products during the period couldn't be listed in consolidated revenue. In October, the firm said, additional revenue generated from Windows 8 models is expected to rise clearly and help Asus achieve a monthly high in the year.