AU Optronics mulls next-generation Taiwan LCD plant

HSINCHU, Taiwan, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Taiwan's AU Optronics Corp (2409.TW: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the world's third-largest LCD maker, is considering building a next-generation LCD plant in Taiwan to meet booming global demand for flat-screen panels, its president said on Wednesday. "We do not rule out the possibility (of building) a new next-generation plant," AU (AUO.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) President L.J. Chen told Reuters at the company's headquarters, located in the Hsinchu science park in northern Taiwan. "We will need a new next-generation plant to power our future growth," Chen said.

In late January, AU predicted a weaker first quarter, the traditionally slow manufacturing season after the year-end buying boom, but the company remained optimistic for the whole year.

AU, which supplies liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to top PC sellers such as Dell Inc (DELL.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Hewlett-Packard Co (HPQ.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and to some TV brands, booked a record profit in the October-December quarter. ($1=T$31.6) (Reporting by Baker Li; Editing by Edmund Klamann)