Sony Mobile Display Corporation was a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation that specialized in the design, development, manufacturing, and sale of small- and medium-sized display panels for mobile products. The company produced low-temperature polysilicon TFT-LCD panels, amorphous silicon TFT-LCD panels, organic EL (OLED) displays, and touch screens. These components were used in camcorders, digital cameras, mobile phones, automotive displays, and other portable electronic devices.
History
The company's origins trace back to October 22, 1997, when ST Liquid Crystal Display Corporation (STLCD) was established as a 50:50 joint venture between Sony Corporation and Toyota Industries Corporation in Higashiura, Aichi, Japan. On March 31, 2005, Sony and Toyota Industries acquired International Display Technology Corporation (IDTech) and renamed it ST Mobile Display Corporation (STMD).
On December 1, 2007, STLCD and STMD were merged to form Sony Mobile Display Corporation. In June 2009, Sony and Epson agreed to transfer certain business assets related to small- and medium-sized TFT LCD operations. On June 1, 2010, Sony Mobile Display sold its Yasu plant to Kyocera Corporation.
Merger and Successor
On August 31, 2011, Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), Hitachi, Sony, and Toshiba announced the integration of their small- and medium-sized display businesses. Hitachi Displays, Sony Mobile Display, and Toshiba Mobile Display were merged to form Japan Display Inc. (JDI), with INCJ holding 70%, and Hitachi, Sony, and Toshiba each holding 10%.
On April 1, 2012, Sony Mobile Display became a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan Display and was renamed Japan Display West Inc. On April 1, 2013, Japan Display West (formerly Sony Mobile Display), Japan Display Central (formerly Toshiba Mobile Display), and Japan Display East (formerly Hitachi Displays) were fully merged into Japan Display Inc., marking the end of Sony Mobile Display as a distinct corporate entity.
Key Facts
- Founded: October 22, 1997 (as STLCD)
- Defunct: March 31, 2012 (as Sony Mobile Display)
- Headquarters: Higashiura, Aichi, Japan
- Manufacturing Plants: Higashiura, Aichi and Tottori, Tottori, Japan
- Employees: Approximately 2,500 (as of July 2010)
- Parent: Sony Corporation (100% as of March 31, 2012)
