Taichung, Taiwan
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AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), a global leader of flat panel displays, today announced that it has successfully turned on Taiwan's very first 32" LCD TV panel, produced by the Company's 6th generation ("G6") TFT and color filter production facility at its Taichung Science Park site. The successful test result corresponds AUO's target G6 mass production schedule for March 2005, to become the world's third and Taiwan's first TFT-LCD manufacturer in G6 technology migration.
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"AUO's first G6 32" LCD TV panel possesses optimal display performance in high resolution, high brightness, wide viewing angle, and fast response time requirements. This 32" LCD TV panel is also Taiwan's very first larger-than-30" panel produced by G6 technology. It testifies AUO's continuing commitment offering customers high quality and cost effective displays. I would like to thank and attribute this achievement to our G6 TFT, color filter and module team members for their tireless endeavors leading AUO and Taiwan in the G6 technology leapfrog." AUO President & COO, HB Chen commented.
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AUO's first G6 fab held groundbreaking ceremony on July 28th 2003 at Taichung Science Park, with clean room installation completed at end of July 2004. On November 3rd, 2004, the fab test produced its first G6 product – a 19" MVA panel. With an additional two months of preparation, the first 32" LCD TV module unveiled on January 26. Dr. Hsiung, Executive Vice President said, " The success of this 32" LCD TV module reaffirms AUO's R&D and execution capabilities. Presently, testing and pilot run has been carried through and our schedule for mass production remains to be on target for March of this year, in anticipation of capturing the growing demand of large sized LCD TV markets."
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VP of Production, Purchasing, and Logistics, Dr. Lin was witness to AUO's making of G6 facility from day one. Dr. Lin oversaw the project, from the very beginning when the fields were still a melon farm to glass substrates and ultimately lighting up of the module. He added, "Due to immensity of the G6 mother glass substrate, one of the first hurdles we have had to overcome was in the shipment of the facilities. We have had to go back to the basics with efficient logistics to face our challenges. From our construction team, to facility and production engineers, they were all backstage putting in their greatest efforts. In addition, our suppliers have supported us and have been with us through thick and thin, as partners in facing each obstacle."
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The AUO Taichung site is situated at the Taichung Science Park, with first phase of construction covering 20 hectares of land. The facility was an investment totaling NTD80 billion which included; a G6 TFT-LCD Fab, a G6 Color Filter Plant, and a module plant, where the 32" LCD TV module underwent full production process from top to bottom. Its total area spreading over 48,000 square feet, equivalent to 6-7 soccer fields or equivalent to an area able to park up to six A380 aircrafts. Steel rods used for the facilities totaled more than double of what was used to build Taipei 101 (also known as Asia's tallest building to-date). The G6 mother glass substrate is 1500mm x 1850mm and can optimally cut up to eight 32" panels, six 37", and four 40".