Japan-based Sharp will build its first 7.5-generation (7.5G) TFT LCD plant by working with China's TCL and the Shenzhen city government.

The plant, which will have an initial monthly capacity of 30,000 glass substrates, will see equipment installation commence in 2008 and will begin operations later that year and the initial investments may stay at around NT$30-50 billion (US$916 million to US$1.5 billion).

Recently, Sharp announced it will install a third line at its 8G plant to expand its production capacity for large-size LCD panels, with operation to start by July 2007, which will help boost the monthly capacity at the plant to 90,000 units by 2008.

Sharp estimates worldwide demand for LCD TVs to be 45 million units for fiscal year 2006 (the year ended March 2007) and 68 million units, 1.5 times larger, for fiscal year 2007, while the demand for 40-inch-and-larger LCD TVs is expected to be especially vibrant, the maker said.

Source:未知