January 15, 2007 – AZ Electronic Materials plans to invest about $7.8 million to “significantly expand” its photoresist facility and production in Hsinchu, to produce semi-finished products and eliminate the need for using bulk production in Japan.

Investment will include building a refrigerated warehouse, increase storage capacity and installed process equipment, and add quality control equipment and tools. Workforce at the site also will swell by about 30% to 124 employees. Construction is slated to be completed by October, and take another 12 months to become fully operational.

“Through having additional capacity, and being able to make more products directly in Taiwan, we hope to be able to continue to provide the highest quality products for our customers, and to be able to meet increased demand in the future,” said Natsuo Watase, country head of AZ Electronic Materials in Taiwan, in a statement.