International DisplayWorks, Inc.

"Our working relationship with Grant Thornton has enabled us to grow, thanks to the top-level global support it provides and its in-depth knowledge of the business and regulatory market in the US, Hong Kong and China," says Steve Kircher, chairman of International DisplayWorks, Inc. (IDW).

IDW is a highly efficient and high-quality pioneer of LCD displays and modules. It designs, manufactures and assembles products and provides consultancy services to major corporations in various industries, as well as smaller companies operating in niche markets.

IDW is a US publicly traded company headquartered in California, with manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen and an office in Hong Kong. IDW requires a full range of audit services in all three locations. And although it was a small company when it started working with Grant Thornton, it had big ambitions. It wanted an audit firm that could provide it with the support it needed to grow.

"It has been a good choice. Even though our relationship with Grant Thornton to date has been short, it has made a big contribution to the development of our business. As a US and China-based company, IDW benefits greatly from Grant Thornton's knowledge and familiarity with US regulatory requirements and the demands of operating in the PRC, as well as its audit services," says Steve.

"The Sarbanes-Oxley Act restricts the role of auditors to US firms and their subsidiaries, and precludes them from offering clients advisory services, but Grant Thornton still acts as our eyes and ears in the US. They ensure we receive a constant flow of useful information about legislation and regulatory requirements that may have an impact on our business.

"Likewise, Grant Thornton's Hong Kong office enthusiastically provides us with technical support and close top-level liaison concerning our operations in China. Grant Thornton's sensitivity to the nuances of doing business in China has proved especially important."

Another asset for IDW has been Grant Thornton's size and geographical presence.

"Working with Grant Thornton enables us to have our audits signed in Hong Kong in compliance with US requirements. That is an unusual capability."

In particular, Steve singles out the role played by the resident US SEC specialist at the Grant Thornton Hong Kong office. "He is highly knowledgeable about the business environment in both China and the US. Having regular access to a senior specialist of this calibre close to our operations is a huge help to us."

Looking ahead, IDW expects its relationship with Grant Thornton will continue to flourish in the future. The company's sales have risen 50% and 114% respectively in the past two years, and they aim to double that next year. It now has more than 1,800 employees. A graduation to a NASDAQ listing is imminent, and Steve is comfortable that Grant Thornton will help the company fulfil the requirements of this process.

Steve concludes, "Grant Thornton has demonstrated the value of their services to us. We look forward to moving ahead successfully as business partners in the future."