A bird's-eye view of Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account:news-wuxixinwen]
With Chinese giants Huawei and Xiaomi unveiling new models, and Apple's much-anticipated entrance into the foldable phone market in September, Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province has quietly positioned itself as a crucial hub in this burgeoning industry. The city boasts a comprehensive supply chain from core materials to module components.
At the forefront in Wuxi is Jiangsu Sunera Technology, based in the Xishan Economic and Technological Development Zone. Known as a "hidden champion" in OLED materials, the company holds 1,176 patents, with 581 granted and 47 PCT applications. Its self-developed OLED materials are already being used in products by Huawei and Xiaomi.
Last October, the company launched a new research and development center and production base, which aims to integrate the entire industrial chain from fundamental research to material development and panel application. It plans for an annual output of 30 metric tons of OLED materials, with projected sales of 800 million yuan ($119.34 million).
In Yixing, a county-level city administered by Wuxi, China Carbon Technology specializes in carbon fiber components, crucial for the durability of foldable screens. The company has expanded its production capacity to meet high-end market demands.
Meanwhile, Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment is collaborating with OPPO to integrate chip-level 3D printing into hinge manufacturing, achieving mass production and international acclaim.
In addition, Saphlux, a semiconductor technology company in Wuxi's Liangxi district, has begun producing micro-LED displays, essential for future foldable and augmented reality technologies. This strategic positioning underscores Wuxi's role in driving innovation and setting the stage for the next generation of display technology.
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