Panel Makers Lift Existing FPD Fab Spending to 40% by 2027 as New Builds Slow

2 articles · Updated · Informa PLC · Aug 13

Incremental equipment purchases at existing flat-panel display factories are projected to climb from 12% of the market in 2024 to nearly 40% in 2027, the highest share on record, Omdia said.
New LCD and OLED fab construction has slowed sharply after the market peaked near $21 billion in 2017, leaving annual equipment spending around $8 billion in recent years and shifting demand toward replacements and upgrades.
China is driving part of that shift through Gen 8.6 OLED build-outs for IT panels and by adding equipment at current LCD fabs to raise capacity without the cost or regulatory hurdles of new plants.
Korean producers are also investing in existing Gen 6 OLED lines to add privacy features, under-display sensors, foldable capability and better TFT performance, making upgrade cycles a crucial revenue stream for equipment vendors.