From Taipei comes news that Taiwan-based Advantech (News - Alert), a manufacturer of industrial embedded computers, systems and network processors, raked in NT$23.04 billion (US $785 million) in combined revenue for 2010, “sharply up 50 percent from 2009 to hit a new high,” according to the firm`s financial statement.

The firm reported net profits of NT$3.04 billion ($103.5 million) for the year, representing an increase of 73 percent year-on-year, with full-year EPS (earnings per share) amounting to NT$6.1 (about twenty cents) and the operating margin improving to 39.1 percent.

“To keep the banner growth, the firm this year will set up several business units in different cities of China to intensify sales promotion in mainland China,” company officials said. In recent years the business relationships between China and Taiwan have warmed, with much more cross-border deals than ever.

In addition, Advantech officials say the firm will also establish a new R&D center in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, “scheduled to be operational in 2013. Hopefully, the firm`s sales in China will double in the next two years.”

Meanwhile, the firm will also kick off construction of its second manufacturing base in northern Taiwan by the end of this year, in which production lines will be better integrated.

Earlier this month, TMC reported that Advantech’s Industrial Automation Group introduced two new 8-port EN50155 IP67 managed Ethernet switches, the EKI-6558TI and EKI-6559TMI.

The EN50155 certification and redundant X-Ring 'allow for trusted connection to Ethernet networks,' company officials said, 'which is particularly useful for passenger information and video surveillance systems. With IP67 rated housings and vibration- resistant M12 connectors, these switches are built to withstand tough environments and ensure reliable transmissions.'

The EKI-6558TI and EKI-6559TMI have watertight and weatherproof cases to protect against mechanical stress, moisture and condensation, dirt, dust or vibrations. The EKI-6559TMI offers two fiber optic ports to guarantee interference-free connections and extend communication range.