The significance of the 100-millionth milestone means Samsung Electronics has firmly established its position as the leader in global display industry. Starting with R&D efforts in 1991, and after overcoming numerous obstacles, Samsung Electronics went into full-scale production of 100,000 units from its first production line in 1995, followed by cumulative production of 1 million units by 1997. In 2000, the company rolled out the 10-millionth panel and three years further on in 2003, 50-millionth unit was produced. Today’s 100-millionth panel marks a growth of 1,000 times since the company’s first year production figure of 100,000 units in 1995. It is clear that Samsung Electronics’ LCD business has grown explosively for the past decade.

Also, in terms of the glass substrate sizes, the first line was 370×470mm, but the 7-1 Line in Tangjeong, of today uses world’s largest mother glass of 1870×2200mm, 24 times larger from that of the 1995, making it possible for a mass production with best efficiency.  Line 7-1 started mass production mainly focusing on 32” and 40” panels for large TVs in April this year and plan to reach a full-capacity of 60,000 substrates per month by October.  The company’s Line7-2 also will start mass production in the first half of next year which will add to Samsung’s leadership in the industry.
  
Samsung Electronics maintains market leadership since 1998 for seven years in notebook computer segment. Centered on production lines in Cheonan, it will gear up production of panels for notebook computers and monitors, toward maintaining global market leadership.

The company’s business in small- to medium-size panels is also growing double each year since the beginning. The company plans to maintain the breakneck growth pace and number 1 market position by expanding their applications, including PDAs, car navigation, PMPs, and game players.
 
Sang Wan Lee, the President of Samsung Electronics’ LCD Business said, “This 100-millionth milestone speaks to the Korean display industry’s growing influence in the world display market,” and added, “Moving forward, Samsung Electronics remains committed to the advancement of our LCD technologies, which will ensure our industry leadership.”