Walton exports motherboards for US security devices

Walton, one of Bangladesh's leading electronics and technology brands, has begun exporting motherboards (PCBA) to the United States for use in security devices.

Officials said this is the first time motherboards manufactured in Bangladesh have been exported to the US, says a press release.

The motherboards, produced by Walton, will be used in the American security devices of Soteria System, a technology for active shooter response and emergency evacuation.

At a ceremony held at Walton's corporate office in Dhaka on 15 September, officials said more than 2,500 motherboards are being supplied to Safepro Technologies Inc., an IT company based in Wisconsin. The initial consignment is valued at about Tk 2.5 million.

Walton is currently the only manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCB) and motherboard PCBAs in Bangladesh. The devices using these motherboards are expected to be installed in US institutions, including schools.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the interim government and in-charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, attended the event as chief guest. Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division, was present as special guest.

Among others, S M Shamsul Alam, Chairman of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, S M Rezaul Alam, Chairman of Walton Digi-Tech Industries Ltd, S M Monjurul Alam Ovee, Managing Director of Walton Digi-Tech Industries, Nishat Tasnim Shuchi, CEO of Walton Micro-Tech Corporation, and Adil Hossain Nobel, CEO of Axentac PLC, a subsidiary of Robi Axiata, attended the function.

Paul L. Eckert, Founder and President of Safepro Technologies Inc., joined the event virtually.

Addressing the function, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said, "I am very excited that Bangladesh is exporting motherboards to USA, where there is Silicon Valley. Undoubtedly, this is a historic milestone for Walton and Bangladesh."

He noted that the global market for PCB and PCBA is about US$80 billion, which will further grow by more than US$30 billion in the next five to six years. Walton has started its journey in this market by exporting PCBA to the USA.

Shish Haider Chowdhury said, "America, the most powerful and developed country in the world, is importing motherboards from Bangladesh. This is not only for Walton; it is also a very proud and historic success for Bangladesh."

Paul L. Eckert said, "Walton has become a symbol of innovation, quality and trust in the electronics and technology product manufacturing sector. Walton gives utmost importance to the design, innovation and production of each product. This has created a unique position for Walton compared to others. Walton has already made a place in the global market by exporting various types of products. We are really happy to receive world-class motherboards from Walton. Walton's motherboard will undoubtedly enhance the quality of our security devices."

He added that Walton will be able to make an important contribution to other areas of sustainable technology, including security devices.

S M Rezaul Alam said, "We are manufacturing world-class PCBs and PCBAs in our own production plant, which are being also used in Walton's products. In addition to meet our own internal demands, we are supplying PCBs and PCBAs to Bangladeshi electronics and IT entrepreneurs in the domestic market for a long time. Recently, Walton has successfully exported more than 10,000 pieces of PCBs and PCBAs to the European country Greece. Producing high-quality PCBs and PCBAs in Bangladesh is resulted in saving huge amount of foreign currencies. In addition, domestic entrepreneurs are getting the PCBAs swiftly to produce their devices. Also, Walton is able to make a significant contribution to the country's foreign exchange supply by exporting PCBs and PCBAs like other electronics and technology products."

He added that Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC and Walton Digi-Tech Industries Ltd are merging to expand hardware and software production, including electric bikes and lithium batteries.

Guests at the event also unveiled two models of Walton's eco-friendly Takyon electric bikes.