Samsung Display is building new Gen 10 LCD factories for the first time out of Korean display businesses. Its goals are to increase size of disc than Chinese display business BOE, who announced early this year that it is planning to build Gen 10.5 factory, and push forward its time to start operation. As Samsung Display corresponds by follow-up investment in Gen 10, it is predicted that it will strengthen its position as the front-runner in world’s display market.
Samsung Display is pushing for establishment of Gen 10.6 factor. After contemplating about different Gen 10-level disc sizes, it decided to draw the strands by choosing Gen 10. Currently out of all Samsung Display LCD factories, line that can produce largest area of LCD is Gen 8 (2200x2500mm).
“Although most of decisions are made towards investing in Gen 10, formal announcement will not be made due to certain circumstances in Samsung Display. It is planning to make a formal announcement after September and it already sent information to government regarding its investments.” said a person in industry.
Samsung Display is going with Gen 10.6 that has biggest boards than BOE. Its board size is world’s biggest as it is bigger than BOE’s Gen 10.5’s board size and Sharp’s Gen 10’s board size that are 3370x2940mm and 3130x2880mm respectively. Although its size is bigger than BOE’s, its detailed size is not currently known for internal security reason as it is worried about information getting leaked.
Production efficiency increases if LCD panels are produced at Gen 10 or higher. Chamfer efficiency is high as a sheet of mother glass can produce 75-in 6 cuts, 48-inch 12 cuts, and 43-inch 18 cuts. Through this, Samsung Display can secure competitive edge in ultra-sized LCD’s price and keep OLED TV position that is led by LG Display in check.
Not just increasing board sizes, but Samsung Display is also planning to start its factory operation earlier than BOE.
BOE is planning to operate its Gen 10.5 factory in first quarter of 2018 while Samsung Display is aiming for second half of 2017. It is heard that Tangjeong Industrial Estate is most likely to be its factory site, and size of investment is going to be in range of billion dollars.
“We’ve examined from different views regarding investing in ultra-sized LCD line. Definition information regarding investment is currently not available.” said a person in Samsung.
“To fight against continuous attacks from China that is continually getting stronger, many major businesses not just in Korean display industry but also in Korean semiconductor industry are making correspondent strategies by investing in large-sized buildings that are worth tens of billion dollars.” said a person in Korean government.
Staff Reporter Sung, Hyeonhee | sunghh@etnews.com