Monocrystal, a global leader in synthetic sapphire growing and processing, today announced its plans to significantly increase its polishing capacity by the end of 2016.

Monocrystal is to significantly increase its polishing capacity by the end of 2016. (Monocrystal/LEDinside)

In response to increased demand for high quality four and six-inch sapphire substrates,Monocrystal is to ramp up its polishing capacities to 14 million two-inch equivalent wafers (TIE) by the end of 2016.

Last year the company’s shipments of large diameter polished wafers grew by 30% and crystal growing capacities reached 53 million TIE. This allowed Monocrystal to maintain the status of the world’s largest sapphire growing company.

“2015 was a challenging year for the whole sapphire industry, some key players were forced to leave the market. However, Monocrystal managed to increase its market share due to constant improvements in its cost structure and several technological breakthroughs. This year we will maintain the momentum and strive to double wafer production capacities to support our customers by providing reliable supply of large-size high-quality wafers”, Monocrystal’s CEO Oleg Kachalov commented.