Japan“s Asahi Glass said it plans to start building a fifth LCD glass-making factory in Taiwan in August 2008 to meet growing demand for TV panels and PC monitors, but it was silent on any further ex…
Japan“s Asahi Glass said it plans to start building a fifth LCD glass-making factory in Taiwan in August 2008 to meet growing demand for TV panels and PC monitors, but it was silent on any further expansion plans. Asahi Glass, which is trying to draw level with US Corning Inc while fending off home rival Nippon Electric Glass, said on 18 July 2008 that it would invest JPY 20 billion (USD 188 million) in the plant, expected to be completed in 2009. Taiwanese media reported the previous day that Asahi Glass had long-term plans to build an additional five plants and double capacity, but spokesman Yoshihiko Saito said the report was speculation and nothing was decided, and declined to comment further. Expansion at Japan“s biggest glass maker comes as client LCD makers are preparing for an escalating price war. Analysts warn that the LCD sector is approaching another period of oversupply even as big LCD makers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Display and Sharp stand ready to make larger lines. The new plant, which will be able to make 8th generation glass, will mainly supply glass to Taiwan firms such as AU Optronics and Chi Mei Optoelectronics.