A FISHING lure and flat ceiling panels are just a tiny part of the potential offered by a multi-million dollar printed light emitting diode [LED] business that still has with its sights firmly set on Dubbo as its manufacturing base.
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Southern Cross Printed Electronics chief executive officer Peter Simons and the company's chief financial officer Simon Smith are in Dubbo today hosting a series of meetings with Dubbo City Council as well as investors both current and new.
The concept of printing LEDs the size of red-blood cells on paper was created by United States company called Nth Degree.
Southern Cross Printed Electronics is licensed to sell the product in the Oceania region.
Mr Smith said it was possible to print about 6000 of the tiny LEDs onto a wafer the size of an ordinary compact disc.
He said concept of printing LEDS onto a sheet of plastic which was small enough to mould within a resin fishing lure was an exciting one and given the enjoyment and broadscale acceptance of fishing, Southern Cross Printed Electronics believe they are onto a winner.
He said the LEDs would be activated to illuminate the lure once it was in contact with water.
The printed panels with the LEDs would completely change the way office lighting was installed - both under the guise of a refit or for brand new constructions.
He said the sheets of lights would be ideal for any cramped space - whether it was an engine bay or within a commercial mine.
"It's waterproof, you can spray it, stand on it you can't damage it," Mr Smith said.
Mr Simons said the prospect of setting up a manufacturing business in Dubbo had great appeal, including the point there was plenty of knowledge of the printing industry in the city and there was space to move and expand.
He said lifestyle and availability of industrial land were two key factors.
“Dubbo has been incredibly supportive,” he said.
“We have great support from the Dubbo City Council, Regional Development Australia as well as from the state government [through its trade and investment department].”
“The printed electronic industry is going to become a significant global industry.
“We’d love to have Dubbo known as the printed lighting centre of excellence,” he said.