LG Electronics Opens First Overseas R&D Lab for Home Entertainment in Indonesia

LG Electronics has unveiled its first overseas research and development (R&D) lab in Indonesia, marking a pivotal step in the company's strategy to bolster its footprint in the Southeast Asian TV market.

Park Hyoung-sei, President of LG Electronics' home entertainment division, attended the grand opening ceremony, along with government officials from both nations, including South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia, Lee Sang-deok.

The R&D lab, spanning 40,000 square feet, is located in Cibitung, West Java, near LG's existing TV manufacturing facilities. This strategic placement allows for efficient production and is only 40 kilometers from LG's sales office in Jakarta, the capital city.

LG aims to leverage this regional R&D lab to effectively manage its business operations, from product development to delivery, catering to the needs of end-users. The company has dedicated efforts to product development in Indonesia by expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Cibitung.

The list of products manufactured at the Cibitung plant has diversified over the years, prompting LG to create a new post solely focused on product development in the region. Furthermore, LG has plans to increase its local staff to around 500 employees by 2025, enhancing research competitiveness. The company is also implementing training programs for TV R&D developers and actively hiring experts to support a wide range of research projects.

In addition to strengthening its operations, LG will foster collaborations with local universities to nurture talent and unearth promising professionals. This approach will ensure a constant inflow of fresh ideas and perspectives.

LG Electronics manufactures most of its TVs, excluding signature lines like StandbyME, in Indonesia for sale across various Asian countries.

As LG continues optimizing its business operations, it remains committed to delivering high-quality products and services at competitive prices. LG Electronics' President and Chief Executive, Cho Joo-wan, reiterated this commitment during his visit to Jakarta in April of this year.

While the exact number of hires at the R&D lab remains undisclosed, LG's dedication to nurturing talent and collaborating with local universities underscores its commitment to long-term growth and innovation.

Photo: LGEPR/Wikimedia Commons(CC BY 2.0)