Cree, a leading U.S. light-emitting diode-maker, said Wednesday it has launched sales of its LED lighting products in Korea, showing its confidence to take on other competitors including Osram and Philips. 

Established in 1987 in the U.S., the company now operates in 12 global markets including Canada, Germany and Hong Kong and holds 4,000 patents related to LED technology.

Some of its business-to-business or business-to-government customers include NASA, San Francisco International Airport and Hyatt Hotels.

A Seoul-based public relations agency for the U.S. firm said that “Cree is aiming to put focus on building rapport with Korean businesses and local governments to have its LED lighting products installed in a wide range of places including streets, factory lines and buildings.”

The main features of Cree’s LED products include TrueWhite Technology, which increases energy efficiency and performance, and BetaLED Technology, which helps maximize lighting capabilities in outdoor environments.

A five-year warranty is usually provided by its rivals, but Cree offers a 10-year warranty for its customers.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)