Japan

07/01/1997

Japan

Japan outsources DRAM production. Citing a lower cost of production and declining memory prices, some of Japan`s major chipmakers have begun outsourcing their 16-Mbit DRAM production to foreign companies, according to the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun newspaper. Fujitsu and Toshiba are reportedly now receiving memory supplies from Taiwanese makers. By this summer, Fujitsu expects more than 40% of its memory will come from foreign sources. Similarly, Hitachi has widely increased its memory supply from South Korea`s L.G. Group.

Japan`s Ebara Corp. has reportedly developed CMP equipment for use on 300-mm wafers. According to reports in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspaper, the company is hoping to have the first unit of equipment ready for evaluation this month, and then have a prototype unit available for operation in October.

Daifuku, Tokyo, Japan, and Fluoroware Inc., Chaska, MN, have entered into a long-term development program under which the companies will develop an integrated 300-mm solution. Fluoroware will manufacture a front-opening unified pod that will be integrated with a tool load-port interface to be manufactured by Daifuku.

Tohoku Semiconductor, the joint venture between Motorola and Toshiba, has decided to postpone construction of 64-Mbit DRAM facility, according to Japanese press reports. Originally slated for the current fiscal year, the fab will now wait at least until next FY because of market conditions, according to Nihon Keizai Shimbun.