Siu Han, Taipei; Steve Shen

 

TPK Holding will begin volume production of Touch on Lens (ToL) single glass touch panels in July despite looming competition from comparable OGS (one glass solution) and in-cell touch solutions, according to company chairman Michael Chiang

Based on TPK's roadmap, the company aims to roll out two million small-size as well as 500,000 medium-size ToL panels a month initially, said Chiang, adding that TPK has landed orders for small-size ToL panels from two clients, while waiting for verification for the medium-size models from two other clients.

Sales of small-size ToL panels will account for 4-5% of TPK's total revenues in 2012, Chiang estimated.

In-cell touch solutions may prevail in 2012-2013, but they are unable to completely replace all other touch solutions, and it is still too early to say that in-cell models will become mainstream since the suppliers of in-cell panels are limited, Chiang commented.

TPK plans to hand out dividends of NT$23 (US$0.78) per share for 2011, including NT$20 in cash and NT$3 in shares.