Sharp Plans Largest Display Fab Unit Outside Japan, Eyes 1,000-Acre Facility In India To Produce Latest High-End Displays

Japanese tech giant Sharp Corporation is in talks with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to establish a display fabrication unit in the country, potentially its largest outside Japan.

This move aims to tap into India's market for display screens used in televisions, monitors, and other devices, as currently, India imports all its display products.

The proposed investment is estimated to range from $3-6 billion, with a land requirement of around 1,000 acres.

Sharp plans to set up a latest high-end type Gen10+ facility, capable of manufacturing screens for various devices except mobile phones.

These facilities, which use large 2,940 x 3,370 mm glass substrates, entail significant capital investments.

Both globally and in India, there's a growing trend towards larger TV screens, with an annual increase of 1-1.5 inches in average TV sizes.

Demand for Gen10+ flat panel displays (FPDs), especially those with 65-inch or larger screens, is on the rise.

“Sharp plans a multi-billion display fab in India, and is seeking partnerships and land. Some 1,000 acres is under discussion,“ a ministry source was quoted as saying by The Hindu Businessline. 

The investment, under the India Semiconductor Mission, will aim to boost local manufacturing and reduce import dependency through technology and strategic collaborations.

“We are yet to get a detailed or written proposal. That should come shortly,” the official said, adding this could potentially be “amongst the largest manufacturing facilities for the company outside of Japan”. 

The facility may also cater to export markets in the future.

According to the report, Sharp has been exploring opportunities across various Indian states and is open to local partnerships to facilitate its entry into the Indian market.

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