Japan-based Field Emission Technologies, a Sony affiliate dedicated to R&D of nano-Spindt FED (Field Emission Display) technology, has made plans to start mass production of 26-inch FED panels by year-end 2009, according to a report by EE Times on August 6.

According to another report by Reuters, Field Emission Technologies is presently in talks with Pioneer over the acquisition of Pioneer's plasma display panel plant in Kagoshima, southern Japan. Field Emission Technologies is expected to invest up to US$283 million in converting the Kagoshima plant into an FED manufacturing facility.

Field Emission Technologies' initial production capacity is estimated at 10,000 26-inch FED panels per month. It is also projected that the company will enter 60-inch TV panel production soon afterwards.