Cree to triple white LED capacity in China

CreeInc. has announced plans to significantly increase white XLamp LED manufacturing capacityat its COTCO subsidiary in HuiZhou, China, tripling current capacity of lighting-class LEDs.

Speaking at the 4th China International Forum & Exhibition on Solid State Lighting in Shanghai, Chris James, marketing and business development VP, characterized the expansion as part of Cree's multi-faceted efforts to both accelerate the adoption of LED lighting in China and to build momentum for the LED lighting revolution worldwide.

"China is a critical growth market for LEDs in general illuminationapplications and represents an unmatched opportunity due to the early-stage development of a national lighting infrastructure, explosive economic growth, the need for energy-efficient technologies and a growing concern over air and ground pollution," stated James. "The acquisition of COTCO Luminant Device Ltdwas the first step and gave Cree significant local manufacturing and sales capability in China. This expansion of white LEDcapacity is the next step, and we continue to develop plans to extend our capabilities and drive the LED lighting market."