Sony said it has founded ST Mobile Display (STMD) as its second manufacturing base for TFT LCD panels. STMD is created from the acquisition of International Display Technology's LCD business. Following ST Liquid Crystal Display (STLCD), a joint venture between Sony and Toyota Industries established in October 1997, Sony will focus STMD on TFT-LCD panel for mobile products, the company said.
STMD will inherit production equipment, facilities, and personnel from IDTech's plant in Yasu-shi in Japan. In addition to that Sony said it will invest about $250 million on equipment and facility modification to allow STMD a production capacity of 25,000 550x650 mm panels per months. The mass production of TFT-LCD panels is scheduled to start from April 2006. (THG)
