Flat-panel makers predict good growth for second quarter

The nation's two largest producers of the flat panels used in slim computer displays and TVs predicted healthy growth in the second quarter of this year, company officials said in a China External Trade Develop-ment Council report yesterday.

Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp (奇美電子), which includes Japan-based joint-venture IDTech, saw sales rise 11 percent in April and 0.6 percent in May.

AU Optronics Corp (友達光電), predicted that growth will continue in the flat-screen monitor market. AU saw record monthly revenues of just over NT$8 billion in May and is looking to top that again in June.

Both Chi Mei and AU have opened more efficient fifth-generation, or 5G, factories that produce larger 17-inch panels than the current 15-inch standard.