New fabs drive equipment growth in china

06/01/1997

New fabs drive equipment growth in China

Opportunities in China for semiconductor equipment makers will continue to grow over the next few years, said the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) trade association. SEMI estimates the semiconductor equipment market will reach US$700 million by the end of 1997, driven by nine new fab investments planned for completion through the end of 1998. SEMI VP of international operations Paul Davis acknowledged the commitments of the Chinese government to further its microelectronics industry.

The group of largely submicron fabs being planned in China includes joint ventures with such giant multinationals as Motorola, NEC, and AT&T, noted Davis. Factories will feature an estimated combined monthly output of more than 85,000 wafers/month.