PREMIER television manufacturer Kenmark of Taiwan is to create 500 jobs in the United Kingdom by opening a state-of-the-art, high-tech facility - investment described as proof that manufacturing is alive and well in the UK.

Kenmark, which specialises in state-of-the-art digital visual technology through the manufacture of liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs, recently announced that it will be setting up a new plant of about 14,000 square metres at the Prologis Eurohub in Corby.

The company chose to invest in the East Midlands region, following support from the East Midlands Development Agency (Emda), its sub-regional partners, and UK Trade & Investment's Taipei-based team.

UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy and assists overseas companies to bring their high quality investment to the UK.

Bryan Jackson, Emda's chairman, said: "This is a great example of what regional development agencies can do to help bring investment into the East Midlands. I'm delighted that Kenmark has chosen Corby, and at the job prospects this will bring for the local population, particularly at this difficult time for the economy. This is proof that manufacturing is alive and kicking in the UK."

Over the past three years, Emda's international team has worked with UK Trade & Investment and Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited to secure the Kenmark deal. Together, the teams have carried out location searches, provided labour-market and sector-based research, introduced the company to intermediary experts, and will continue to work with Kenmark with their recruitment needs. Emda is one of nine regional development agencies in England, set up in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic growth.

Kenmark's chairman James Hwang said: "We are grateful for all the assistance of Emda, UKTI and all of those who worked really hard with us on this project. We are delighted to be setting up this state-of-the-art facility within the East Midlands region.We are forecasting significant growth in LCD television sales both in the short term and as the economy begins to recover, and Kenmark will therefore provide secure and long-term employment prospects for locals in Corby and the surrounding area."

When the facility in Corby opens early in 2010, Kenmark will become one of the major LCD TV assembly businesses based in western Europe. The company, which works with major retailers in the UK, will make TVs to meet demand as the UK prepares for the digital switchover that is set to be completed by 2012.

Kenmark is a global company established in 1978 for manufacturing and marketing worldwide and has offices throughout Europe, the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand. Although LCD televisions are its core business, Kenmark also produces furniture, hardware, lighting, beauty and personal care products and many other categories worldwide.

With offices in Taipei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China and a new manufacturing plant and office in Vietnam, experts say Kenmark seems set to continue its growth despite the global downturn.

Taiwanimported 836 millionpounds' worth ofUK goods in 2008. The UK is highly visible in the Taiwanese domestic market, although people there may not realise that names such asB&Q(to namebut one company with successful operations there) are British.

Taiwan's natural trading partners are its neighbours in north-east Asia and it can be a good stepping stone to China's vast market. Taiwan has a strong trading and investment relationship with the west, and is keen to diversify and build on its European links.

The UK's major exports to Taiwan include machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, Scotch whisky and manufactured goods but there are also opportunities in many other sectors.

In November 2009 the British Trade & Cultural Office, and the International Science & Innovation Unit of the Department of Business Innovation & Skills, and the Taipei representative office in the UK, organised the first UK-Taiwan Technology Forum in London.

This event aimed to lead the way for further cooperation and collaboration between the UK and Taiwan, in the field of science andinnovation and technology development. The forum was designed for university academics, research institutes and private companies sharing a common interest to cooperate and collaborate with their counterparts in Taiwan.