Array processing equipment for TFT-LCDs up 34% in 2004

While the worldwide market for array processing equipment for TFT-LCDs grew 34% to reach $4.2 bln in 2004, a combination of several factors will drop the growth rate to only 3% in 2005, according to The Information Network. A 6% oversupply in large-size TFT-LCD panels will exist in the second half of 2005. Lithography tools from Canon and Nikon will lead the equipment market with sales of $1.4 bln in 2005, dropping to $1.3 bln in 2006.