Sumitomo to expand polarizing film capacity

In line with the capacity expansions of LCD makers, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd plans to boost its capacity for polarizing films at its facilities in South Korea, Japan and mainland China.

Sumitomo was reportedly planning to set up a fourth line for the films, with an annual capacity of 34 million square meters. The company is currently constructing its third line, with a capacity of 18 million square meters per year. Sumitomo expects its total annual capacity of polarizing films to reach 76 million square meters by mid-2007.

Sumitomo's facilities in Pyungtaek, South Korea will cater to demand from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd and Sony Corp., while its plant in Aichi, Japan will supply films to mainland China-based TV makers.