August 14, 2003 – Chartered Semiconductor, Singapore, said in a recent SEC filing that it is reevaluating market demand for 90nm chips, as it considers what to do with its Fab 7 facility scheduled to begin 300mm-wafer production late next year.

Analysts say the move could delay the plant’s scheduled opening of 3Q04, but it will also give the company some financial breathing room; Chartered has already spent $250 million on the facility and raised $1.13 billion in total funds, while reporting 10 straight quarters of losses.

Also factoring into the decision is a recent deal with IBM to produce 300mm wafers in the US, which provides “additional flexibility in setting the timing for initial production,” Chartered said in the filing.