China LED makers expanding mini/micro LED capacities

China-based major LED chip makers and packaging service providers, optimistic about demand for mini and micro LEDs, are currently pushing capacity expansions mainly for related applications, according to industry sources.

San'an Optoelectronics is setting up a mini/micro LED chip production base in central China with investment of CNY12 billion (US$1.7 billion), with first-phase production to begin in early 2021, the sources said. In addition, San'an has raised CNY7 billion from strategic investors for its subsidiary Xiamen Sanan Integrated Circuit to set up mini LED chip and packaging capacity.

HC SemiTek is in process of raising CNY1.5 billion for setting up production capacity for mini/micro LED chips and GaN power devices, while Focus Lightings Tech will raise CNY1 billion to step into production of mini LED chips.

Shenzhen MTC has cooperated with Nanchang municipal government in central China, to invest CNY7 billion to expand LED packaging capacity including for mini LED.

Foshan Nationstar Optoelectronics and Shenzhen Refound Optoelectronics will invest CNY1-2 billion and nearly CNY700 million, respectively, to add mini LED packaging capacities.

Leyard Optoelectronic has partnered with Taiwan-based LED chip maker Epistar to set up a joint venture for producing mini LED backlight units, RGB fine-pitch mini LED displays and micro LED displays, with initial production to begin in October 2020.