US President Donald Trump recently visited the Foxconn pilot TV production line in Wisconsin, United States on a trip to formally open the company’s new $10 billion 10.5G fab being constructed in nearby Mount Pleasant. After taking part in the facility’s official groundbreaking ceremony, Trump complimented its scope and described it as “the Eighth Wonder of the World”.
Foxconn chairman Terry Gou also attended the ceremony. During his speech, he commended the president saying, “If it were not for you, President Trump, I would not be here today. Every time I see President Trump, he always says three things — jobs, jobs, and jobs”.
CNBC posted a video of President Trump’s speech on its website.
Foxconn announced its plans to bring LCD production to the US early last year. The company recently denied reports that the facility would be downgraded to a 8G or 6.5G site in order to reduce costs, but confirmed that the facility would operate a phased approach when production begins, currently scheduled for later this year.
Analyst Comment
Foxconn continues to talk of this plant as a being an LCD plant, so the company stays on track for that outcome. In the past, Foxconn has made plans to make this kind of investment, but it hasn’t always happened. It may well do, this time. If it doesn’t, Terry Gou, along with Trump, would suffer a big loss of face. At the moment, the plant is expected to start as a G6 which could supply smartphones and automotive customers. It remains to be seen whether a G10.X fab gets built to support TV panels. (BR)
