This silicon-based semiconductor technology yields products that are cost-effective and have fast response times and high sensitivity. Because they can be manufactured as drop-in replacements for the older thick film technology, they are economical to upgrade, since no retrofitting is required.

IR devices have the advantage of being able to measure temperatures without making direct contact with the object being measured. This characteristic makes them useful in many applications where contact devices are unsuitable, such as at ultra-high temperatures, which could damage or destroy a contact device. Though often unseen, IR technology is at the heart of many modern conveniences familiar to consumers, such as "zoned" climate control in automobiles.

"This new joint venture is the latest example of how Thermometrics Global Business responds to the changing needs of its customer and the marketplace," said John Carter, Jr., President of Thermometrics Global Business.

The joint venture's manufacturing facility is a plant located in Seoul, South Korea. It will produce IR devices for all world markets in the automotive, industrial, medical and consumer sectors.

"We chose LG Electronics as our partner in this joint venture because they have the best silicon technology available," Carter said. "Thermometrics Global Business is the industry leader in technology and customer service. Infrared technology is the basis for the next generation of temperature-sensing devices. We believe the synergy between our two companies, both leaders in their field, will provide our customers with the best IR sensors on the market."

The new company is 80 percent owned by Thermometrics Global Business and 20 percent owned by LG Electronics.

Thermometrics Global Business has more than 60 years of experience manufacturing temperature-sensing devices, and is one of the world's largest producers of thermistors, thermally sensitive resistors that exhibit changes in electrical resistance with changes in temperature. Thermometrics is the world's leading supplier of thermistors to the biomedical industry and among world's top providers of thermistors for automotive, electronics, industrial and telecommunications applications. The company has operations in St. Marys, PA; Mt. Jewett, PA; Edison, NJ; Taunton, UK; Puerto Rico; Mexico; Germany; India; Japan; China and Korea.