Quanta and 3M Create New Company for Capacitive Touchscreens

Nowadays, it seems that companies are either suing each other or joining forces, and the latter sort of relationship has sprouted, or in this case blossomed and evolved, between 3M and Quanta, both of which want to get serious in the capacitive touch industry.

3M and Quanta have been collaborating for a while on mass production of touch sensors, modules, electronics and systems on for personal computers and accompanying products.

Their inventions are beeing used in netbooks, notebooks, monitors, all-in-one computers and even tablets.

Now, they have officially announced that they will create a new company in Singapore, exclusively intended to manufacture projected capacitive touch solutions for the same market (PC).

“In looking at multi-touch solutions currently available on the market, we believe that 3M’s multi-touch technology is one of the best solutions for OEM and ODM companies,” said C.C. Leung, vice chairman, Quanta Computer.

“Quanta’s manufacturing capabilities and market expertise are vital to the new company in bringing the next-generation technology to consumers.”

The move does make sense, considering that the entirety of the industry is moving to a more interactive age where touch interfaces will be common.

The joint venture will be separate from 3M Touh Systems Inc. and will make products for casino gaming, foodservice, digital signage, healthcare, retail, point-of-sale, self-service and education applications.

“Quanta’s comprehensive knowledge of the PC industry, strength in technology and manufacturing, and innovative computer design capability matched with 3M’s proven materials science and manufacturing innovations gives the new company the ability to provide the industry with solutions for consumers and their personal computing devices,” said Joaquin Delgado, executive vice president, Electro & Communications Business, 3M.

The press release does not say how much capital will be invested into this new project, nor how long it will take for all building efforts and personnel preparation will take.