DRESDEN, GERMANY – April 13, 2010 – Merck KGaA and Plastic Logic GmbH today announced plans to jointly develop, test and commercialize Merck's new organic semiconductors in Plastic Logic's displays. Introduction and production of these new materials are planned for 2011.
Merck recently invested in the expansion of the Chilworth Technical Centre, its chemicals research site in Southampton, UK, by adding new laboratories to intensify and accelerate display material developments based on plastic electronics. As part of the project announced today, Plastic Logic has also invested in additional manufacturing equipment to accelerate the introduction of Merck's new lisicon® materials into mass production.
Merck’s functional materials are already used in the manufacturing process of the flexible ePaper displays contained in Plastic Logic's first consumer product, QUE™ proReader, which was presented at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show in January.
The new world-class, high performance lisicon® materials from Merck will enable enhanced device performance and simplify Plastic Logic's manufacturing process for ePaper displays.
"Merck is delighted to support Plastic Logic as an innovative leader in next generation consumer devices containing paper-like displays," said Dr Klaus Bofinger, Senior Vice President responsible for Advanced Technologies at Merck. "With Merck’s track record and experience in introducing new display technologies to the market we see the cooperation with Plastic Logic as a major step towards advancing plastic electronic displays."
Konrad Herre, Managing Director of Plastic Logic GmbH in Dresden, Germany, commented, "We are very pleased to announce this cooperation with Merck. This expansion of our joint efforts will enable us to develop higher performing future plastic electronics display technologies using simpler manufacturing processes."
About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 7.7 billion in 2009, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by approximately 33,000 employees in 61 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
About Plastic Logic
Plastic Logic's mission is to lead a revolution in the way people acquire, organize and consume information. We are using our proprietary technology leadership in plastic electronics to create a range of innovative products. Our first product, the QUE™ proReader, will enter the marketplace summer 2010. Founded in 2000 by researchers out of the Cambridge University Cavendish Laboratory, Plastic Logic has research and development in Cambridge, England; high-volume, state-of-the-art manufacturing in Dresden, Germany; and executive management, product engineering, sales and marketing headquartered in Mountain View, California. For more information about Plastic Logic, please go to PlasticLogic.com.
The QUE trademark and logo are trademarks of Plastic Logic LTD. All Rights Reserved.
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Media Contacts for Plastic Logic GmbH
Rachel Lichten, Business Communications Manager
Plastic Logic GmbH
+49 351 88344-120
rachel.lichten at PlasticLogic dot com
Media Contact for Merck KGaA
Phyllis Carter, Spokeswoman
Merck KGaA
+49 6151 72-7144
phyllis.carter at merck dot de
