Samsung Electronics said it has started mass production of liquid crystal displays from its latest plant in Korea, which is aimed at TV panels over 32inches.

This is the second of Samsung's so-called seventh generation lines, the first being a joint venture with Sony. Total investment in line 7-2 will be £2.4bn, said Samsung.

The first phase of the plant will bring production to 45,000 substrates per month, with each substrate measuring 2,200 x 1,870mm. Each substrate can produce a dozen 32inch displays or eight 40inch units.

"Mass production at Line 7-2 is deemed a major watershed for Samsung Electronics, giving the company an advantageous position in standardising LCD TVs around 40inch and 46inch," it said.

Phase two of Samsung's plan, due for completion by the end of this year, will see plant 7-2 doubling output to 90,000 substrates per month.

Line 7-1 with Sony has already reached its maximum capacity of 60,000 substrates per month, claimed Samsung. The firms plan to add another 15,000 substrates capacity at the plant.

Annual sales of LCDs at Samsung exceeded $10bn in 2005.

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