Hitachi Ltd. said Monday it will end production of flat-screen TVs by September in its Japan-based facilities, due to intensifying price competition. Hitachi's production base for its Wooo TVs is located in Gifu Prefecture. The company plans to use the facility for liquid-crystal projectors and semiconductor-related production.

Hitachi tried to maintain its profitability of its flat-panel TV business by outsourcing more parts, but it determined there was a limit to such efforts.

The firm will maintain the Hitachi brand name and continue engaging in TV operations, including development and sales, it said.