LCD manufacturer, Corning, has announced that it is to increase capacity at its Shizuoka facility in Japan.

The company has approved plans to invest $160 million in the development of the plant, in an effort to keep up with rising demand and deliver a greater number of Generation 8 panels.

According to Corning, global demand for LCD panels has jumped substantially over the past year and the firm predicts that growth will continue into 2007.

The manufacturer has said it anticipates global penetration of LCD screens in the television market to reach 33 per cent by the end of 2007, up from 22 per cent last year.

Announcing the decision to boost capacity, Corning Display Technologies' President, James P Clappin, said: "The increased capacity will create additional support for our customers in Japan and Taiwan, who are experiencing growing demand as LCD TV strengthens its hold on the 40-inch and larger market."

Ÿ Adfero Ltd