SMIC 12-inch Fab 8 begins production

By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor -- Electronic News, 12/10/2007

Shanghai, China-based semiconductor foundry Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) reported today it has begun production in its Fab 8, which the company claims is Shanghai’s first 12-inch wafer fab.

SMIC reminded that its Fab 8 is part of the science and education project (Ke Jiao Xin Shi) promoted by the Shanghai Municipal Government to encourage productivity and competitive development.

Construction for Fab 8 began in October 2005, with equipment installed in May and pilot production started in July.

At a ceremony to make the commencement of production, SMIC said its president and CEO Dr. Richard Chang thanked government officers and industry representatives for their long-term support and commitment to bolster the high tech industry.

Yu ZhengSheng, Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, with members from the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government and key officials from the Pudong and Zhangjiang area, attended the ceremony.

The Secretary of the Pudong New Area Party Committee, Du JiaHao, said SMIC’s Fab 8 is significant in the development of the IC industry in China and said SMIC has helped to grow the industry there over the past seven years.

At the end of the ceremony, Yu ZhengSheng and Chang pushed a button together to mark the output of the first 12-inch wafer produced in Shanghai.