Asahi Fire To Cause Sharp Decline?

A fire occurred at the Asahi Glass site in Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, in late July, which may impact glass substrate supply for Sharp, according to market sources. The fire was caused by a leak from a glass melter, the sources noted. Asahi Glass Taiwan admitted that the incident occurred but declined to elaborate, indicating details would be released from the company's headquarters in Japan. The market sources cited a Daiwa Institute of Research report that indicated that the plant is Asahi Glass's number one production line and provides glass substrates for LCD panel production for 7G, 7.5G and 8G lines. The report also noted it could take 2-3 months for the plant to return to normal.