SSMC (Singapore) broadens scope of semiconductor services
(Top News, 13 Nov 2007 )
Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Co. Pte. Ltd. (SSMC), a manufacturer of advanced semiconductor wafers, recently announced its plan to establish a Research and Development (R&D) center tasked with expanding the company’s process technology portfolio. Investing S$65 million over the next four years, the development center will broaden the scope of SSMC’s wafer engineering and manufacturing services.
NXP Semiconductors and TSMC (SSMC’s Joint Venture Partners) have expanded the scope of their collaboration, leading to the localization of the process development function. With their combined technical expertise and commercial support, SSMC’s R&D center will focus on development of specialized manufacturing process targeted initially to the E-government solutions, automotive, near-field communication, and RF markets. SSMC plans to build upon an industry proven success model taking full advantage of its access to established technical resources in Europe, Taiwan, and North America. Combined with existing capacity expansion plans and a continued commitment to invest in human capital, SSMC’s process development team will strengthen the company’s ability to compete in the increasingly competitive 200mm foundry market.
Jagadish CV, CEO of SSMC, stated, “As demand for 200mm technologies become increasingly focused on narrow and highly specialized markets, its essential manufacturers build the necessary competencies to reduce both the time-to-market (TTM) and cost associated with bringing new foundry processes into mass production. SSMC is well positioned to leverage existing competencies established over the past six years, adding new capabilities to further enrich the engineering content made available to our end-customers. The creation of a process development center here in Singapore is simply the next step in our journey - building a highway to the customer.”
Carlo van den Akker, CEO of NXP Semiconductors Singapore, stated, “NXP is pleased to see SSMC investing in improved capabilities here in Singapore. This decision shows Singapore’s attractiveness for world-class talent and will undoubtedly help SSMC to maintain its position as a strong strategic partner for NXP in chip production for this rapidly growing region. Furthermore, every time I visit SSMC’s wafer factory, I am impressed by its work-life harmony practices and the high regard for secondary employment conditions such as those for pregnant employees.”
C.C. Wei, Senior Vice President at TSMC Operations I and Board Director at SSMC, stated, “SSMC's determination to further strengthen its R&D force offers a great arena for top engineers around the world to demonstrate their talents through research and development of specialized technologies. This plan will not only enhance SSMC's competitiveness, but will also give TSMC access to an even wider range of global talent through its relationship with SSMC.”
Mr. Lim Swee Nian, Executive Director, Electronics Division, Singapore Economic Development Board, stated, "We are pleased that SSMC will be developing new wafer processing technologies from Singapore. This is significant as it will deepen its capabilities in Singapore, and further enhance the competitiveness of its manufacturing operations. This is also in tandem with Singapore's concerted push towards process R&D. SSMC’s project adds value to our industry development and creates meaningful jobs.”
