HIGH-END PRODUCTS:Sources said that large-scale production would start next quarter in China, with the Austrian firm to design the devices and supply diamonds

Taipei Times
Date: Jan 25, 2017.
By: Lauly Li / Staff reporter

Compal Electronics Inc (仁寶), the world’s second-largest contract notebook computer maker, has secured assembly orders from Austrian crystal and jewelry company Swarovski AG to make its smartwatches and is to begin large-scale production next quarter, people familiar with the matter said.

“That will help Compal to expand its presence in the global smartwatch industry and improve its profitability this year after it tapped into the smartwatch segment by shipping nearly 600,000 smartwatches for Fossil Group Inc last year,” said the people, who asked not to be named as the matter involves Compal’s clients.

The Taipei-based company produces a wide range of electronics, including all-in-one computers, tablet computers, smartphones, servers and LCD TVs.

The products are to be produced at the company’s factory in Kunshan, China, the people said, adding that Swarovski would design the smartwatch and supply diamonds and other jewels for them.    [FULL  STORY]