APRIL 16–SUZHOU, China–Advanced Micro Devices today confirmed it would build a $100 million test, mark and pack facility here.

The new plant will be dedicated to the company’s microprocessor products and is scheduled to open in Q4 of 2004, an AMD spokesman confirmed. The 11,000 square meter facility will employ up to 300 workers, although initial levels are expected to be lower than that.

At full capacity the plant will be able to finish 10 million products annually for both domestic and international markets.

The plant is AMD’s second in China and in Suzhou. Like the new facility, the original plant performs back end work of test, mark and pack, but for AMD’s flash memory product line. AMD began construction on the first facility in 1995, the spokesman said.

“We have a longstanding relationship with the Suzhou government,” the spokesman said. “Their continued support was key to our building there.”

AMD also cited local talent and an industrial area in the town.

The company chose China because it holds “high strategic value.” It also allows Chinese customers
faster and easier access to AMD processors, the spokesman said.