Taiwan-based TFT-LCD panel maker AU Optronics (AUO) is modifying its 3.5G LTPS (low-temperature polysilicon) factory for production of small- to medium-size AMOLED panels, and will complete the modifications at the end of the third quarter and begin trial production at the end of 2010, according to industry sources.

AUO reportedly has recently succeeded producing samples of large-size AMOLED panels at its 6G plant, but mass production will have to wait for 2-3 more years until technology matures, the sources noted.

Samsung Mobile Display (SMD), the leading AMOLED supplier, on June 22 started construction of a 5.5G plant for AMOLED panels, according to a report from Reuters. SMD invested 2.5 trillion won (US$2.13 billion) for the plant, which is scheduled to start operation in July 2011 with a monthly capacity of 70,000 substrates, the report noted.

LG Display (LGD) has recently announced plans to invest 250 billion won in the second half of 2011 to triple its AMOLED capacity.