3M has signed a contract to build a factory at Tainan Science Park that will produce BEF (Brightness Enhancement Film) for use in the backlight modules of TFT-LCD panels. 3M agreed to invest NT$1.2 billion (US$35.4 million; US$1=NT$33.9) in the factory, which, in the early stages of operation, will produce up to one million units of BEF per month for use in 17-inch, TFT-LCD panels. 3M plans to break ground on the factory on October 15, and hopes to have production lines up and running by mid-2005.

 

3M's Taiwan subsidiary signed the contract on September 30, thus making 3M the forty-fourth company to lease land in the Tainan Science Park. The deal came after sustained courting on the part of the park's administration and Chi Mei. 3M is the world's largest supplier of brightness enhancement film for use in flat panel monitors.

 

Since 1992, 3M's operations in Taiwan have been based at the Taoyuan-Yangmei Factory. Four of 3M's film series are produced at the Taoyuan factory: brightness enhancement film, dual brightness enhancement film, diffused reflective polarizer film, and reflective film.