Panel maker Innolux has revealed plans to consolidate its outdated LCD fabs as it focuses on niche-market products, according to company sources.
According to company president James Yang, the firm's legacy 3.5G fab will be transformed into a factory for handling advanced packaging, and a 3.5G LTPS line will be shifted to focus on R&D efforts.
Meanwhile, a 4G fab will be realigned to produce flat panels for X-ray detectors (FPD) production by its subsidiary, InnoCare Optoelectronics. Additionally, a 4.5 line will be modified to roll out e-paper solutions.
As for other production lines, there are currently three 5G fabs, one 5.5G line, and two 6G lines, each using LTPS and a-Si technology. Additionally, there is one 7.5G, an 8.5G, and an 8.6G line, respectively.
Company chairman Jim Hung said the consolidation is necessary because the consumer electronics market has become saturated, and component suppliers need to consolidate their capacities to maintain competitiveness.
As such, Innolux is taking steps to transform its LCD fabs. For example, in the case of 3.5G fab, related personnel and equipment are being gathered to develop IC packaging technology, hoping to achieve its goal gradually.
Meanwhile, the 5.5G line is no longer the mainstream technology in the industry and its glass substrate cost is relatively high. Therefore, the 5.5G line needs to transform and develop high-value-added products, such as products for low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite applications and microLED devices.
Hung said that Innolux still focuses on developing related microLED technologies and installing related equipment.
The company's plan to help India-based Vedanta Group establish the first TFT LCD production line in India is likely to be approved before June, paving the way for the firm to kickstart the project.
Article translated by Steve Shen
