Mr Tan declined to say which customers it would follow, but one likely client is Hewlett-Packard, which earlier this year opened a plant in China to make PCs and printers. In the meantime, the company is actively moving towards full research and development capabilities. It recently opened a technical centre to develop key process technologies for PCBAs, and is working more closely with customers in product design. Richgold also wants to make higher-value products, such as telecommunications equipment. Telecoms now comprise about 20 per cent of total sales, with PCBAs accounting for over 30 per cent and computer peripherals another 30 per cent.
Packaging takes up the balance.
The company continues to invest heavily in new equipment to maintain its competitiveness. About 40 per cent of its revenues are derived from overseas operations. The Enterprise 50 list, compiled by Andersen Consulting and The Business Times, and supported by the Economic Development Board, ranks the top 50 most enterprising privately-held local companies. Richgold Industries Pte Ltd is ranked 46th on the 1996 Enterprise 50 list . Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.