Epson's new LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projector panel plant in Hokkaido Japan has launched into the pilot run for 12" wafers; mass production is slated to begin in January of 2005. Current capacity of the plant stands at 2,000 units per month, while full monthly capacity is expected to boost Epson's projector panel capacity up by 30% to 50%. Added output will go to new clients, including non-Japanese projector system makers.

 

The new plant, dubbed Millennium, is to ramp up its monthly capacity in three stages, moving from 5,000 units, to 10,000 units, to the final range of 25,000 units to 30,000 units. Production of LCD projector panels used in newer models will take place in the Millennium plant as well; the plant will also serve as the sole production site for several high definition 1080p projector panels.

 

Epson claims that its two operating 8" wafer fabs are already sufficient to meet in-house demand and process orders from existing clients, mostly Japanese players.