SUMCO TECHXIV to Expand 300mm Wafer Output in Taiwan

SUMCO TECHXIV Corporation, SUMCO’s subsidiary to produce monocrystalline silicon wafers, announced on Wednesday the firm expands output capacity of 300 millimeter diameter silicon wafer by 60% at Taiwanese subsidiary. SUMCO TECHXIV invests 1.1 billion yen to introduce new productive equipment and expand 300 mm wafer capacity by 50,000 wafers per month. In autumn 2008 Taiwanese plant will have total output capacity of 160,000 wafers per month by the introduction of new equipment and the productivity improvement of existent facilities.Taiwanese subsidiary, FORMOSA SUMCO TECHNOLOGY Corporation (FST) started commercial production of 300 mm wafer at an initial capacity of 50,000 wafers per month at the beginning of 2007. FST is now preparing for a second productive line with capacity of 50,000 wafers per month to start operation in early 2008. FST also advances productivity improvement for the existent lines and aims output capacity at 110,000 wafers per month in spring 2008.FST adds another facility with capacity of 50,000 wafers per month this time. FST’s investment for 300 mm wafers totals 53 billion yen including new building construction.SUMCO TECHXIV Group’s 300 mm wafer capacity will be expanded to 230,000 wafers per month in spring 2008 from current 135,000 wafers per month. The capacity will continue increasing to 340,000 wafers per month in autumn 2008 and to 460,000 wafers per month by the end of June 2009, 300,000 wafers in Japan and 160,000 wafers in Taiwan.