February 22, 2001–Burghausen, Germany–Citing growing signs of weakness in the global semiconductor markets, Wacker Siltronic AG, a major supplier of silicon wafers, has suspended and will review its fast-track capacity expansion plans.

During 2000, Wacker Siltronic expanded its production facilities, particularly for 200mm and 300mm products, to meet customers’ volume requirements. Preparations were made for further expansions to be implemented in close collaboration with customers and in line with market needs.

The company’s capacity-to-market review extends to existing product lines, which will be scrutinized for their contribution margins and market acceptance. Virtually the whole range of silicon products will be included in the review. In addition, site consolidation programs will concentrate on trimming production lines with older generation wafers on 150mm and less.

Wacker Siltronic has 6 facilities in Germany, Singapore, and the U.S. Their product range includes: poly silicon, the starting material for all silicon wafer manufactures; FZ- and CZ-pulled monocrystals; lapped, etched, polished and epitaxial wafers with diameters from 100mm to 200mm. Additionally, Wacker is recognized as a leader in the development and manufacturing of 300mm wafers. With 6000 employees worldwide, Wacker has grown steadily during their 4 decades as a material supplier to the chip and silicon wafer industry.