Reports in the Taiwanese press said that spun-off IBM subsidiary Lexmark is to use a local manufacturer to help produce its laser printers. The reason is likely to be cost reduction. Many US manufacturers use Taiwanese know-how to fulfil the demand for PCs and peripherals. The reports did not name which OEM will get the lucrative contract, which has the lion's share in the low end of the market. But the deal is expected to involve its Taiwanese partner producing as many as 15,000 units a month, starting in Q1 next year. Lexmark is expected to make its own announcement in two week's time. ®