Foxconn announces plans for new $8.8bn television flat-panel factory in Guangzhou
Founder Terry Gou says the investment is aimed at increasing production to meet expected rising demand for large-screen televisions and monitors
Terry Gou, the founder of Foxconn Technology Group, the world’s largest contract assembler of consumer electronics including Apple iPhones and iPads, said on Friday that Chinese local authorities are showing a high level of efficiency and more sincerity compared with their US counterparts when it comes to attracting foreign investment, including in manufacturing and hi-tech industries.
Gou was speaking in Guangzhou as the municipal government signed a framework agreement with Japan’s Sakai Display Products Corporation (SDP) – which is mostly owned by Gou personally – to build a US$8.8 billion television flat-panel screen factory in the city, which will make advanced liquid-crystal displays with technology from Sharp Corp, the Japanese electronics brand bought this year by Foxconn.
SIO International Holdings Limited, Gou’s investment firm became a majority shareholder of SDP in 2012.
Gou said it took officials from Foxconn – which is formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co – just 50 days to finalise details on the deal with Ren Xuefeng, the party head of the municipal government.
“You can see the efficiency of Chinese officials and governments, and their dedication to promoting the economy and high-technology industry, the US government need to see that,” Gou said.