SoftBank Acquires Sharp's Former Factory, Partners with OpenAI to Transform it into an AI Data Center
A major transformation is underway in Japan's display industry. Sharp Corporation, once a giant in large LCD panel production for televisions, completely ceased production at its Sakai Display Products Corporation (SDP) in 2024, marking the end of an era for large-size LCD panel manufacturing in Japan. However, the once-dormant factory is poised for a new life. According to the Nikkei Shimbun, SoftBank Group officially signed an agreement this Friday to invest approximately 100 billion yen (approximately 4.877 billion yuan) to acquire this Sharp facility in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.
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