Central Taiwan’s Erlin Science Park is set to become a precision machinery industry hub under the latest development project approved by the ROC Cabinet.
“Six months in the making, the plan balances economic growth with environmental sustainability,” said Cyrus C.Y. Chu, minister of the National Science Council, Aug. 13 in Taipei City.
“The adjustment is a winning strategy for the sector and residents of Erlin,” he added.
Originally designated as a manufacturing center for the panel industry, the Changhua County facility has attracted the ire of local activists for its impact on the environment, heavy water usage and threat to agriculture.
But with display panel-makers and foundries excluded, the park’s daily water consumption and wastewater discharge will be greatly reduced, keeping its impact on the environment at a minimum, Chu said.
Under the revised plan, precision machinery is to be the leading sector targeted for promotion, comprising 35 percent of the park’s capacity. Photonics and semiconductors will each occupy 20 percent, followed by biotechnology and green energy at 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
“Precision machinery is already one of Taiwan’s signature industries with annual output estimated at NT$980 billion,” Chu said. “The facility will further strengthen Taiwan’s position as a key player in the global market.”
The NSC aims to achieve this goal by spurring advanced R&D activities, promoting academic-private sector alliances and attracting overseas investment.
“We will also launch a four-year, NT$400 million (US$13.48 million) program aimed at fostering 10 to 15 collaborative R&D projects per year for producing advanced equipment,” Chu said.
The park administration is running an investment seminar Aug. 15 to bring prospective investors up to speed on the NSC plan, with several overseas promotion campaigns in the works.
