Feb 21 2008
FUJIFILM Corporation will invest 6.5 billion yen to construct a new WV Film factory within FUJIFILM Opto Materials Co., Ltd. which is one of the main production centers for flat panel display materials. WV Film is a film that widens the viewing angles of liquid crystal displays (LCDs.) Construction of the new factory will begin at the end of this month and is scheduled to begin operations in April 2009 as the 9th factory for WV Film.
Currently, the global demand for liquid crystal displays are soaring with the rapid spread of LCD TVs in Japan, US and Europe, in addition to the strong rise in demand for LCDs for PC monitors. In addition, LCDs are increasing in size, and high growth is expected to continue with panel shipment area projected to grow at an annual rate of about 20%.
WV Film is characterized by its ability to significantly expand the viewing angles at low costs and has established its position as the de facto standard for film for expanding viewing angles for LCDs. With the recent dramatic expansion of LCDs, the demand for WV Film is rapidly increasing. A new factory will be constructed to enhance production capability in order to meet the significant rise in demand in the future. To respond to further expanding demand, efforts will be made to begin operation of the new factory earlier than in the initial plan.
Fujifilm’s Flat Panel Display Materials Business will expand its business through its unique products which feature Fujifilm’s proprietary technology such as: FUJITAC, indispensable to LCD polarizers; WV Film, effective for broadening viewing angles; CV Film which has strong antireflective effects for panel surfaces; and color filter materials, Transer and Color Mosaic.
Fujifilm will continue to aggressively pursue research and development of new technologies, contribute to stable supply of flat panel display materials, and fulfill its role as a leading company in flat panel display materials to contribute to the advancement of industry.