Plano's International Footprint: Strengthening Ties with Taiwanese Companies
Plano Mayor John Muns and International Business Manager Jenny Zeilfelder recently returned from Taiwan after a successful week of forging new and strong partnerships, including meeting with Taiwanese companies with a presence in the City of Plano , Texas.
Taiwan plays a significant role in the state’s economy and ranks as the ninth largest import source for Texas. With Plano’s Asian population at nearly 25%, Taiwanese companies bring their innovative practices, enhancing the city’s cultural diversity, while promoting economic and cultural collaboration on a global scale.
Starting off their week, Mayor John Muns spoke at the Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE) , organized by the Taipei Computer Association 台北市電腦商業同業公會 , alongside other city and community leaders from around the world. The SCSE provided a platform for sharing insights and best practices in smart city and green energy initiatives. Mayor Muns leveraged the opportunity to showcase Plano's efforts towards sustainability and smart city developments, highlighting the city's use of smart technology to enhance the city’s services, facilities and quality of life.?
As part of the trip to Taiwan, the delegation met with several Plano companies including AcBel Polytech Inc. , Sysgration Ltd. , 台达电子 and 光宝科技 .
"Meeting with these companies provided an invaluable experience which allows us to forge stronger connections and gain insights from experiencing the culture of Taiwan and seeing how companies operate. It reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to supporting their continued success here in Plano.” - Mayor John Muns
The Plano delegation met with AcBel Polytech Inc. , a company with roots dating back to 1981 in northern Taiwan. The visit began at the company’s new 9-story manufacturing facility, which included smart technology and automation enhancements. Following their tour of the facility, the delegation enjoyed dinner with AcBel's leadership team in Taipei, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the company and ways to collaborate. The company, specializing in electronic components such as industrial-grade servers and storage products, acquired Plano’s ABB Power Electronics in 2023. Located in the Research/Technology Crossroads (R/T Crossroads), the company’s subsidiary, OmniOn Power , operates in a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
Plano received a Texas-sized welcome at Sysgration Ltd. ’s headquarters in Taipei, where they spent time discussing the opening of their new office in Plano. The 98,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will be the company’s first U.S. operation and will produce products such as Li-Ion green energy battery packs and BLE TPMS (Bluetooth low energy tire pressure monitoring systems). Creating over 150 jobs, the expansion demonstrates their commitment to growth and their confidence in Plano’s favorable business climate.
With an opportunity to dine with the Sysgration Ltd. team, they shared a memorable evening together filled with camaraderie and conversations, solidifying the bond between the teams. Concluding with a tour of Taiwan's renowned National Palace Museum, they were able to explore a vast collection of Chinese art and historical artifacts. It was a truly special and culturally enriching experience.
The delegation then made a visit to 台达电子 , a global leader in power electronics, infrastructure and electric vehicle mobility products. Established in 1971, 台达电子 has a workforce of over 85,000 globally and operates advanced R&D facilities, including one in Plano. During the visit, the delegation toured their headquarters and observed the commitment to green building initiatives and innovative energy-saving solutions.
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Taiwan’s warm hospitality was on display during this trip, as the delegation was led to visit Pinglin Old Street, a charming street famous for its tea production and a must-visit for tea lovers. A trip to Pinglin Old Street is an opportunity to taste Taiwan’s tea culture and appreciate the beautiful scenery of the mountain landscape. While tasting the unique and delicious taste of Taiwanese tea, the delegation also seized the rare opportunity to understand the complex process of tea cultivation.
No trip to Taiwan would be complete without a visit to the famous Taipei 101. Mayor Muns and Zeilfelder enjoyed the spectacular views of the city and mountains from the 101 Observation Deck. Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world and a testament to Taiwan's economic and technological progress.
The delegation concluded their visit to Taiwan with a meeting with 光宝科技 , a global supplier of semiconductor, power supply management and other electronic products. Founded in 1975 by former Texas Instruments employees, the company initially located its 18,300 square-foot R&D center, in Plano's R/T Crossroads in 2014.? With ambitious plans to grow, the company has since expanded into a 100,000-square-foot facility, within a short distance of their former facility. The delegation met with the company's leadership team and enjoyed a tour of their headquarters including a product showroom and an innovative retail store.
The trip was an important effort towards expanding Plano's global partnerships and showcasing its strength as a hub for global companies. The opportunity to forge strong relationships with Taiwanese businesses reaffirms Plano's commitment in promoting global economic and cultural collaboration.
"Plano has perfected the formula in providing a conducive environment for families and businesses to thrive. We have an outstanding corporate community that greatly contributes to our vibrant ecosystem. We feel honored that so many global brands call Plano home." - Mayor John Muns
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11 个月Bochia Ni Our visit to Taiwan was highlighted by your generous assistance. Thank you for all of your contributions and support to the City of Plano!