Samsung Display Co. Ltd. confirmed it will invest 13.1 trillion South Korean won by 2025 on facilities and research to produce next-generation display screens, Reuters reported Oct. 9, citing a statement.
The Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. unit will spend the investment on converting one of its liquid crystal display production lines into a facility for mass-producing quantum dot screens. The company plans to begin operating its quantum-dot line from 2021 with a target capacity of 30,000 sheets per month.
Samsung Display also signed a cooperation agreement with small and medium-sized enterprises to supply materials, components and equipment for the upcoming production facility, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a speech.
Moon added that the South Korean government will "boldly assist" in developing next-generation display technologies by expanding support for relevant businesses, creating a test bed for display-making processes, enabling industry partnerships and training technical professionals.
The investment plans came amid a weak global LCD demand for smartphones and TVs, rising competition from Chinese companies, and a shift to organic light emitting diode panels, according to Reuters.
Samsung Display earlier suspended an LCD production line in South Korea due to "supply glut."
As of Oct. 9, US$1 was equivalent to 1,197.68 South Korean won.
