To keep up with consumers' insatiable demand for stupendously large LCD televisions, Sharp is building a new LCD panel factory at its site in Kameyama, Japan. The new factory, which is more than twice as large as Sharp's existing LCD panel factory, will focus on the production of full high-definition 45 and 65 inch LCD panels. The good news for consumers is that the new factory is also expected to double Sharp's investment productivity, leading to lower prices for LCD TVs and larger profits for Sharp.

Sharp will begun construction of a 2nd factory at its site in Kameyama, Mie prefecture from July 1. The new Kameyama No. 2 factory will focus on the production of 8th generation motherglass for LCD panels larger than 40 inches in size. The factory is expected to commence operation in October 2006 at a monthly output of 15,000 panels. The factory's output will double to 30,000 panels with the introduction of a 2nd production line in 2007.

To cope with the forecast increase in demand for LCD panels larger than 40 inches in size, the new factory will use 8th generation motherglass that is 2,160 mm x 2,400 mm (HxW) in size. Eight 40" panels or six 50" panels can be produced from one sheet of the motherglass.

In addition, Sharp is aiming for a significant reduction in manufacturing cost by developing new parts in conjunction with parts manufacturers from the design stage. Other innovations such as improvements in the production process should also lead to increased production efficiency. The new factory is expected to produce a two-fold increase in investment productivity in comparison to the No. 1 factory.

The construction area of the new factory is 2.4 times greater than that of the No. 1 factory at 82,100 square metres. Total floor space will be approximately 273,600 square metres. In addition, to achieve a stable production system, the building's earthquake-resistance features have been strengthened so that production can continue even in the event of a large earthquake. Vibration dampers have been added to the five-story building's steel framework to suppress earthquake shocks.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050630/sharp.htm

News release:
http://www.sharp.co.jp/corporate/news/050630-a.html