Samsung plans to invest $41bn during 2012

Samsung plans to invest a record $41.8bn during 2012, as the firm signals its intention to stay ahead of rivals in key areas such as the mobile, TV and memory markets.

The South Korean manufacturer is expected to concentrate on expanding its mobile chip operation, with demand for smartphones and tablets showing no signs of slowing.

The OLED division is also expected to see hefty investment, as it is predicted to generate significant revenue from the display technology over the coming decade.

Samsung is expected to build factories, enhance research and development facilities and carry out mergers and acquisitions during 2012.

Investment will also be made in the workforce to help Samsung consolidate its strong position in the market. The firm confirmed plans to increase its workforce by 26,000 employees, slightly up from the 25,000 hired in 2011. This represents a significant increase to the workforce, which already stands at 350,000.

Additionally, Samsung is planning to sell around $1bn in bonds to help expand its chip manufacturing capabilities in Austin, Texas.

The latest investment come at a time when other high-profile firms are struggling to cope in the aftermath of global recession. Chip maker AMD shed 1,200 jobs in 2011 and is looking to save $10m during 2012.  Fellow South Korean firm LG has confirmed that it will reduce spending by 15 per cent this year.

Samsung already invested $10bn in a semiconductor facility dubbed the Nano City Complex in Hwaseong at the back-end of 2011, as it looked to maintain its position as the world's number one memory provider.

In what is likely to be a bumper start to the year, Samsung is on course to report record $4.5bn profits next week, according to preliminary results. This is largely due to the success of its Galaxy smartphone range.