S-LCD Amorphous TFT LCD Manufacturing Building Completed for 7th Generation LCDs Equipment

July 15, 2004

S-LCD Corporation celebrated completed construction of the world's largest generation 7 amorphous TFT LCD panel production building in Tangjung, South Korea. The "S-LCD Grand Opening Ceremony" was held with approximately 1,000 guests, including government personnel from both Korea and Japan and personnel from related enterprises. A manufacturing equipment move-in event also took place and was broadcasted for the audience in the ceremony. Mass production is expected to start in the first half of 2005 after production testing.

S-LCD Corporation is a joint venture company that was established on April 26th 2004. It is an equal joint investment* by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (hereafter Samsung) and Sony Corporation (hereafter Sony) dedicated to the manufacturing of amorphous TFT LCD panels for LCD TVs. The facility boasts the most advanced manufacturing equipment for 7th generation LCD panels, with a production capacity of 60,000 panels/ month. The facility will operate as a major source for LCD panels to both Samsung and Sony.

The LCD panel production building is composed of 4 floors, with a total floor area of 32,000 m2. The module assembly building with a total floor area of 15,000 m2 is also completed. LCD module production from S-LCD will be customized uniquely for Samsung and Sony, with integration of peripheral devices such as back-light and driving circuitry.

S-LCD Corporation will create a stable supply base for amorphous TFT LCD panels for both Samsung and Sony. Its efficient production output will support the development of LCD TV businesses at both Samsung and Sony.

"The cooperation between Samsung and Sony offers an opportunity to lead the rapidly growing LCD TV market and standardization of glass substrate and LCD TV sizes. It is a win-win situation for both companies. We are committed to developing Tangjung Crystal Valley as the center of the world's display industry and making the joint venture into a success." said S.W. Lee, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics' LCD Business.

"It is a great pleasure to know that the preparations by S-LCD Corporation are progressing smoothly and both Sony and Samsung have great expectations for the beginning of mass-production next year." said Ken Kutaragi, Executive Deputy President and COO of Sony Corporation. "Television is a key product category for Sony. S-LCD panels will be at the core of our flat panel TV strategy, further strengthening our overall vision for television. There is tremendous potential for expansion in the market for digital TVs, and Sony will apply its unique signal processing technology, device technology and design skills to deliver products that allow customers around the world to enjoy varied contents."

The original press release can be found here.