May 22, 2007 – Taiwanese foundry UMC has officially opened its new 300mm R&D center in the Tainan Science Park, coinciding with the company’s 27th anniversary. The 6000 sq. m. site, adjacent to UMC’s Fab 12A, includes independent cleanroom R&D areas for 45nm and below technology development, and will house more than 1000 engineers when fully operational. It also boasts restaurants and a recreation center.
“This R&D facility, the first of its kind in Southern Taiwan, will help stimulate the local economy as it will create many job opportunities in Southern Taiwan,” noted company chairman/CEO Jackson Hu in a statement, adding that the facility is opening while phase 2 construction continues on 300mm expansion at the same site.