The Merida Industry Co., Taiwan's number two bicycle maker, made the first public display of its new magnesium alloy computer cases on March 22 at Taitronics Spring 2000, Taipei's biannual electronics industry exhibition.

Merida, which introduced a prototype bicycle frame made of magnesium alloy last year, showed several new products using the material, including cases for notebook computers, digital cameras, MD players, and cellular phones. One major benefit of magnesium to such products is its ability to block out electromagnetic interference, commented one Merida official.

Should 2000 live up to company predictions, Merida will produce 2.4 million of the feather-light computer cases this year at its new Taiwan factory. The production is expected to generate NT$ 800 million in revenues for the company.

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