The continuing growth in popularity of LCD screens is causing many manufacturers to invest in expansion projects to keep up with demand.

Japan is one area seeing increasing growth among its LCD manufacturers, with Sharp having already announced plans to install a second production line at its Kameyama plant.

That will raise output of LCD panels by around ten per cent from as early as next spring at a plant that already produces 1.2 million 32-inch television LCD panels per year.

The move comes as demand for LCD screens in televisions, laptops and PDAs continues to grow and a number of companies, including Sharp, have upped their predictions for future sales.

Mikio Katayama, head of Sharp's LCD business, announced in a speech at a flat panel display forum in Yokohama: "The LCD market will likely reach 80 million units in 2008."

His view was endorsed in another speech during the meeting, as Sang-Wan Lee, president of Samsung's LCD division, told delegates: "I believe the LCD TV market is quite capable of hitting 100 million."

Mr Katayama agreed with that prediction, suggesting that current low prices would continue to boost demand, so that 100 million units could be shipped by 2010.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd