Kuraray to Expand Production Facilities for Optical-Use Poval Film for Polarized Film
Kuraray Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Fumio Ito;"Kuraray") has announced its decision to expand production facilities for optical-use poval film, which serves as a base film for polarized film, an essential component of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), at its Saijo Plant (Saijo, Ehime, Japan). Details are given below.
Background to Facility Expansion
- The LCD market is experiencing steady growth owing to the global prevalence of LCD TVs. In particular, sales of large LCD TVs measuring 40 inches or more are expected to increase significantly.
- In anticipation of rising future demand for optical-use poval film, Kuraray has deemed it necessary to expand its production facilities to maintain a stable supply system.
The production line to be expanded will be the first in the industry to manufacture 5,000mm wide-type, optical-use poval film, contributing to the increased production efficiency of polarized films for use in large LCD TVs.
Outline of Facility Expansion
| Location | Kuraray Co., Ltd., Saijo Plant, 892, Tsuitachi, Saijo, Ehime, Japan |
|---|---|
| Production capacity | 32 million m²/year |
| Commencement of operations | June 2013 (scheduled) |
| Capital investment | approx. ¥13 billion |
Production Capacity
At present, Kuraray is working to expand optical-use poval film facilities by 20 million m² per year with the aim of commencing operations in first quarter of fiscal 2012. In combination with the 32 million m² increase, Kuraray will expand its annual production capacity of optical-use poval film from the current 160 million m² to 212 million m².
As a leading company in optical-use poval film, Kuraray will contribute to the expansion of the LCD market by developing new technologies and improving quality.