Japanese Sharp recently opened its second LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV plant in Rosarito of Baja California, Mexico. The location is close to the US-Mexican border. The inauguration, however, took place later than the original schedule of July 2007.

The new facility was constructed on the same premises of Sharp's old Mexico plant, which began LCD TV production back in 2003.

With its sights set on the North American LCD TV demand, this new plant - integrating LCD module production and LCD TV assembly - is expected to turn out 200,000 units per month in the initial phase. By fiscal 2009, Sharp expects to reach a monthly production capacity of 400,000 units, according to the company's press release.

 

With a total investment of around US$300 million, considerably higher than the original amount of US$66.2 million reported in an Asia Express dated January 19, 2007, this new plant enables Sharp to produce LCD TVs with larger screens, in a bid to tap the increasing consumer demand for LCD TVs in North America.