Fujikura to Expand Flexible Print Circuit Output in Thailand

Fujikura plans to expand production of flexible print circuit (FPC) at its subsidiary in Thailand, PCTT within fiscal 2006 ending March 2007. Fujikura will introduce additional productive equipment for double-sided and multi-layer FPC in PCTT’s Ayutthaya C plant. The firm has already introduced equipment in the half of C plant, gross floor space of which is 36,000 square meters, to produce double-sided FPC. The firm will introduce additional equipment in the one-third of the rest space in fiscal 2006.PCTT is the main production base for FPC in Fujikura group. PCTT posted 45.4 billion yen of net sales in fiscal 2005, increasing by 11.5% from fiscal 2004, and expects 50.3 billion yen in fiscal 2006, increasing by 10.7% from fiscal 2005. PCTT operates FPC plants in 3 regions of Thailand. Ayutthaya plant is the largest of the three, including A, B and C plants inside 145,000 square meters of the situation.The structure of Ayutthaya C plant was completed in autumn 2004, gross floor space of which was more than twice of each A and B plants. Fujikura and PCTT have introduced productive equipment inside C plant in turn, watching FPC market condition. The main product at C plant is double-sided FPC currently, while its equipment is available for both double-sided and multi-layer FPCs.Fujikura expects world FPC demand could keep stable growth by 5-10% per year during next 5 years. The firm aims to advance capital investment for its FPC business in order to meet future demand increase.