A review of production centers and plans for investment has emerged all of a sudden among Japanese semiconductor, FPD, and solar cell producers.

ON Semiconductor has decided to close its plant in Aizu (Fukushima Pref.) by the end of next June. Existing production handled in Aizu will be transferred to other plants. Panasonic will cease production at its third PDP plant in Amagasaki (Hyogo Pref.) this year. Its LCD plant in Mobara (Chiba Pref.) is expected to be sold. In addition, Panasonic came to a decision to cancel expansion of its secondary battery plant in Suminoe (Osaka Pref.). Kaneka will stop exportation for the time being, and concentrate on sales in Japan.

Plant closings, reduction in production, and reviews of investment in facilities are now going on and the industrial gas market is expected to be hard hit.