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NEWS & VIEWS |
Taipei,
Friday, December 5, 2008
07:39 (GMT+8)
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Semiconductor equipment sales to fall 28% this year, says SEMI Dec 2, 12:31 Following 5.7% market growth in 2007, the semiconductor equipment market will decline almost 28% in 2008 to reach US$30.91 billion, according to SEMI. SEMI also expects the market to decline about 21% in 2009, and then post almost 31% growth in 2010. Read more |
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Equipment supplier Spirox sets up 5KW pilot HCPV system in Taiwan Nov 28, 16:18 Spirox Corporation, a Taiwan-based provider of semiconductor equipment and solution service, on November 27 held the opening ceremony for a 5KW (kilowatt) pilot high-concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) system installed on the campus of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) located in southern Taiwan, according to the company. Read more |
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Kenmec introduces photo engraving process equipment for large-size panels Nov 21, 17:20 Although many panel makers are slowing down their expansion plans during the economic downturn, panel equipment supplier Kenmec Mechanical Engineering is growing stably and is expanding its business from automation equipment to wet processing by introducing photo engraving process equipment for large-size panels. Read more |
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Taiwan communication equipment maker MTI may hit record revenues in 4Q Nov 21, 13:31 Microelectronics Technology (MTI), a Taiwan-based maker of communication/network equipment, hit record quarterly revenues of NT$2.173 billion in the third quarter of 2008 and the company is looking to a new record for this quarter due to booming sales of power amplifiers (PAs) used in base stations of mobile communications, according to company president and CEO Allen Yen. Read more |
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SEMI: North American semiconductor equipment book-to-bill ratio rises to 0.93 in October; matches highest monthly total in 2008 Nov 20, 01:10 North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted US$843 million in orders in October 2008 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.93 according to the October 2008 Book-to-Bill Report published today by SEMI. A book-to-bill of 0.93 means that US$93 worth of orders were received for every US$100 of product billed for the month. Read more |
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Mirle sees October profit down 45% on year Nov 19, 12:00 Taiwan-based equipment supplier Mirle Automation has reported profits of NT$41 million (US$1.2 million) for October, down 45% on year. The company had accumulated revenues NT$3.8 billion for January-October, slightly up 2% on year, according to data from the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE). Read more |
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TSMC urges equipment and material suppliers to push for 18-inch wafer migration Nov 18, 11:53 The transition to 18-inch wafer production may be interrupted by the current economic woes, but it is a necessary step the semiconductor industry has to take in order to increase production scale and efficiency significantly for better competitiveness, according to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). As for its own 18-inch wafer production plan, TSMC has stated it is seeking more cooperation with equipment and material suppliers on development of 18-inch wafer fabs. Read more |
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Applied Materials expects overall equipment spending to drop in 2009, but upbeat about PV market Nov 14, 10:23 Applied Materials has posted results for its fiscal year 2008 and fourth quarter ended October 2008, with announcements of workforce cut and cost-reduction strategies for the next fiscal year. Company CEO Mike Splinter estimates that equipment spending will drop in the semiconductor and display sectors, but he remains optimistic about the solar-energy market. Read more |
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TFT LCD equipment spending to hit record in 2008, then drop 21% in 2009, DisplaySearch says Oct 30, 11:16 DisplaySearch expects 2008 spending on TFT LCD manufacturing equipment to reach historic highs. However, rapidly dropping panel prices, low fab utilization and continued concerns about the world-wide economy will cause previously planned fab expansions to be delayed, considerably pushing down forecast 2009 spending by 21% to US$10.6 billion. Read more |
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Chroma Ate sees net profits decline 13% sequentially in 3Q Oct 24, 15:00 Testing equipment vendor Chroma Ate saw its after-tax profits decline 13% sequentially to NT$335 million (US$10 million) in the third quarter of 2008 as clients, especially those in the LCD and IC sectors, cut their capital expenditure (capex) budgets amid current economic downturn, according to the company. Read more |
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IC testing and LCD equipment vendors report declined profits for Jan-Sep period Oct 22, 14:12 Two leading Taiwan IC testing and LCD equipment suppliers Mirle Automation and Test Research (TRI) have seen a decline in profits for the first three quarters of 2008 due to weak market conditions, according to the companies. Read more |
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Global Mobile to finalize first-phase WiMAX equipment procurement before year-end 2008 Oct 21, 15:24 Global Mobile, a WiMAX licensee for the northern region of Taiwan, is beginning to solicit quotations for its first-phase procurement of WiMAX equipment with plans to finalize potential suppliers and its procurement list before the end of this year, according to the company. Read more |
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Top Green Energy Technologies signs solar equipment deal with GT Solar Oct 17, 12:43 GT Solar International has announced that its subsidiary, GT Solar has signed its first contract with Top Green Energy Technologies, a Taiwan-based producer of solar cells. The agreement, valued at US$46.8 million, is GT Solar's most comprehensive polysilicon production equipment and services agreement to-date, and the company's first sale of its products to a customer based in Taiwan. Read more |
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The DRAM drag Oct 14, 17:09 In its latest 2008 semiconductor forecast, iSuppli significantly downgraded its outlook for memory revenues, particularly DRAM. iSuppli lowered its 2008 semiconductor memory revenue forecast by 5.8 percentage points, and its DRAM outlook by 5.4 points. With memory expected to account for nearly 10% of global semiconductor revenues in 2008, this represents a major drag on global semiconductor revenues. Read more |
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UMC to complete installation of MEMS production equipment in October Oct 7, 17:02 United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) is expected to complete its first-phase installation of MEMS production equipment in October, two months ahead of market expectations, according to sources close to UMC. Read more |
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MEMS sector expected to average 17% annual growth over next 5 years, says Yole Oct 7, 12:06 The MEMS sector will see strong growth over the coming few years because of many new products enabled by MEMS devices, with consumer applications (such as for the Wii, iPhone, PicoP picoprojector) being a major contributor to the 17% average annual expected over the next five years, according to Yole Developpement. Read more |
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Equipment maker Mirle to see strong sales in next two quarters Sep 24, 11:38 Equipment supplier Mirle Automation has reported that its revenues for the first eight months of 2008 totaled NT$3 billion (US$93.84 million), up 4% on year, with strong orders coming from LCD panel makers in the upcoming two quarters. Read more |
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Solar cell makers increasing demand for automated inspection equipment Sep 23, 11:55 As assemblers of solar cell modules have increasingly asked Taiwan-based makers of solar cells to sort products before shipments, solar cell makers are increasing their demand for automated optical inspection equipment used to detect defects and sort by color, according to industry sources. Read more |
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North American semiconductor equipment market posts August book-to-bill ratio of 0.83 Sep 19, 10:52 North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted US$884 million in orders in August 2008 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.83 according to the August 2008 Book-to-Bill Report published by SEMI. A book-to-bill of 0.83 means that US$83 worth of orders were received for every US$100 of product billed for the month. Read more |
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MEMS equipment maker STS eyes 20-30% revenues growth in the coming year Sep 17, 16:15 Despite the impact of the ongoing worldwide economic slowdown, Surface Technology Systems (STS) still expects its business to grow 20-30% on year in the coming year, David Haynes, vice president for global business development, said during a recent interview with Digitimes in Taipei. Read more |
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Thin-film capacity to hit 29 GWp by 2015, says NanoMarkets Sep 17, 10:45 Manufacturing capacity for thin-film and organic photovoltaics is expected to grow from approximately 2 GWp (Gigawatts at peak sunlight) this year to 29 GWp by 2015 according to a new report from NanoMarkets, an industry analyst firm. Read more |
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GPM becomes first Taiwan maker of crystalline solar cell process equipment Sep 17, 01:10 Gallant Precision Machining (GPM), a producer of semiconductor, TFT-LCD and electronic component manufacturing equipment, at a September 16 press conference, debuted a set of automatic manufacturing equipment for producing crystalline silicon solar cells, becoming the first Taiwan-based maker of such equipment, according to company CEO Nick Yeh. Read more |
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Multitest ships first handler to Russia Sep 16, 15:07 Germany-based Multitest recently shipped its first handler to a Russian customer. The MT9510 will be employed for use in cold test applications. Read more |
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Equipment supplier Single Well expects margins to fall in 2H08 as expansion in LED sector slows Sep 16, 12:05 Taiwan LED equipment maker Single Well expects margins to fall below 40% for the second half of 2008 as capacity expansion in the LED sector is slowing down. Read more |
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Semiconductor equipment localization – Don't act like a cry baby: Q&A with Hermes Epitek Archie Hwang Sep 15, 15:42 One of the most well known local Taiwan providers of semiconductor equipment, Hermes Epitek believes that extending its business presence is a natural extension of its long-term practice of developing its technology and industry expertise, starting from its agency business decades ago. Read more |
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Equipment suppliers GPM and Mirle eye NT$5 billion in sales for 2008 Sep 12, 12:23 Taiwan-based equipment supplier Gallant Precision Machining (GPM) posted August revenues of NT$584 million (US$18 million), up 155% from NT$229 million in July and up 190% on year, and its accumulated revenues of January to August were NT$2.9 billion according to data from Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE). Read more |
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SEMICON Taiwan 2008: Equipment makers pay more attention to new materials and through-silicon via Sep 11, 01:15 Semiconductor equipment makers are not being discouraged by the present industry downturn. Material supplier Rohm & Haas Electronic Materials and equipment vendor KLA-Tencor have both grown their attention to new materials and through-silicon via (TSV) technology. Read more |
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SPIL said to be adding more wirebonders Sep 10, 01:25 The semiconductor industry trough is not weighing on Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL) with sources at equipment vendors indicating that SPIL will add more wirebonders during the next few month on new orders from Qualcomm. Read more |
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Despite the gloom, Taiwan looks forward to big turnaround in 2009 Sep 9, 12:41 It has been a challenging year for all involved in the semiconductor equipment market. Taiwan is not immune to the current situation. For the past two years, the region made significant investments in new equipment with 2007 equipment expenditures exceeding Japan's by US$1.3 billion. This year, it is expected that Japan will retake the lead with a spending of US$7.88 billion. Read more |
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Equipment suppliers see bookings postponed Sep 4, 11:23 With customers curbed by fears of a softer economy, sales at several semiconductor equipment vendors, including Chroma Ate and Test Research Inc. (TRI), have all observed that some bookings have been delayed. Read more |
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Taiwan's LCD panel industry looks at 80% equipment self-sufficiency in 2009 Sep 3, 10:51 Taiwan is aiming to achieve 80% in equipment self-sufficiency for its LCD panel industry in 2009 when AU Optronics (AUO) starts building its 10G fab and attracts foreign equipment suppliers to set up operations on the island, according to the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). Read more |
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Foxconn purchases NT$557 million worth of equipment from Sony Newswatch - Sep 2, 16:28 Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) has announced the purchase of a total of 120 sets of machinery and equipment from Sony Manufacturing Systems for NT$557 million (US$17.63 million) to ramp up its production, according to a company filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE). Read more |
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Equipment supplier GPM swings back to profits in 1H08 Aug 29, 12:35 Equipment supplier Gallant Precision Machining (GPM) swung back to profitability in the first half of 2008, reporting net profits of NT$81.9 million (US$2.59 million) from sales of NT$2.12 billion for the period. Read more |
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Lam Research opens advanced global training center in Taiwan Aug 27, 10:19 Lam Research, a supplier of semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment and services, today announced the opening of its global product training center in Hsinchu, Taiwan with the invaluable support of the Taiwan Government. Training programs offered will help customers speed the ramp to production on new Lam Research process tools and enhance the productivity of their existing Lam Research systems. These programs will also advance the technical capabilities and competitiveness of Taiwan's local supply chain. To facilitate customers' ability to receive comprehensive training, the new facility is conveniently located in close proximity to core centers of semiconductor technology development and manufacturing. Courses will be taught in both English and the local language to enhance training effectiveness. Read more |
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Seventy fab projects brighten semiconductor industry outlook in 2009 Aug 27, 10:19 According to the World Fab Forecast report, recently released by SEMI, a projected decline in world semiconductor fab equipment spending of 20% is expected for 2008, but a rebound of over 20% in spending is expected in 2009, driven by over seventy fab projects. The August 2008 edition of the report lists 53 fab equipping projects and up to 21 construction projects for fabs in 2009. Read more |
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GSMC likely to source 8-inch wafer fab tools from STMicroelectronics Aug 26, 10:50 After seeing its discussions for a potential purchase of 8-inch wafer fabrication tools from fellow foundries fail, China-based foundry Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (GSMC) is likely to purchase its required equipment from STMicroelectronics, according to sources at equipment vendors. Read more |
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North American semiconductor equipment industry posts book-to-bill ratio of 0.83 in July, says SEMI Aug 20, 10:27 North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted US$905 million in orders in July 2008 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill (B/B) ratio of 0.83, meaning US$83 worth of orders were received for every US$100 of product billed for the month, according to SEMI. Read more |
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Contrel's equipment order visibility extends to 2Q09 on next generation panel projects Aug 20, 01:05 Equipment supplier Contrel Technology is reporting strong order visibility as the LCD panel industry is gearing up the construction of next-generation fabs. Read more |
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GSMC turns from NXP to STMicroelectronics for 8-inch wafer equipment tools Aug 12, 12:14 China-based Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (GSMC) is said to have turned to STMicroelectronics for second-hand 8-inch wafer fabrication tool procurement, with the parties now finalizing the deal, according to sources at equipment vendors. Read more |
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Csun sees FPD and PCB customers postpone equipment orders Newswatch - Aug 11, 11:36 Despite seeing its July sales fail expectations amid the postponement of equipment procurement among flat-panel display (FPD) and printed circuit board (PCB) customers, Csun Manufacturing is confident that its third-quarter sales should maintain flat, with growing sales in the fourth quarter, according to the equipment vendor. Read more |
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Chroma Ate cautiously optimistic about equipment market in 2H08; to strengthen Japan and US markets Aug 8, 11:53 Chroma Ate has delivered a cautiously optimistic outlook for the second half of 2008, saying that expected delays in some orders implies that quarterly sales should peak in the fourth quarter. Due to the strong euro and the fact some customers are reluctant to move to China, the equipment vendor also plans to strengthen its deployments in both the US and Japan. Read more |
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North America semiconductor equipment book-to-bill 0.85 in June Jul 22, 11:55 North America-based manufacturers of semiconductor equipment posted US$1.03 billion in orders in June 2008 (three-month average basis) and a book-to-bill ratio of 0.85 according to the June 2008 Book-to-Bill Report recently published by SEMI. A book-to-bill of 0.85 means that US$85 worth of orders were received for every US$100 of product billed for the month. Read more |
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TFT LCD equipment sales to go up 58% to US$13 billion in 2008, DisplaySearch says Jul 21, 12:18 The year 2008 is expected to see sales of equipment used to manufacture TFT LCDs surge 58% to US$13 billion, reaching near historic levels not seen since 2004, according to DisplaySearch. Read more |
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SEMI expects semiconductor equipment sales to fall 20% to US$34 billion in 2008 Jul 18, 09:59 Semi projects 2008 semiconductor equipment sales will reach US$34.12 billion according to its mid-year Semi capital equipment forecast. The forecast indicates that, following 6% market growth in 2007, the equipment market will decline 20% in 2008, but will experience a rebound with annual growth of 13% and 6% in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Read more |
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Taiwan's FPD equipment self-sufficiency tops 40% Jul 16, 11:31 Taiwan's self-sufficiency for flat panel display (FPD) equipment has reached 41.4%, and the region is aiming to boost it to over 60% next year for a total production value of NT$73.5 billion (US$2.42 billion), according to the Taiwan government's Industrial Development Bureau. Read more |
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Multitest ships first InStrip strip test handler to Taiwan Jul 14, 11:21 Multitest recently shipped its first InStrip strip test handler to Taiwan, with the system set to be installed at a Taiwanese final test subcontractor. Read more |
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Taiwan government to lift subsidy ceiling for solar equipment production, says paper Newswatch - Jul 14, 10:50 The Taiwan government is planning to lift the subsidy ceiling for solar equipment makers, aiming to grow self-sufficiency to 80%, according to a Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN) report. Read more |
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Semi equipment spending worse than expected, to fall 22% in 2008, says Gartner Jul 11, 10:36 Continued economic uncertainty, combined with weakness in memory markets, will result in worldwide capital equipment spending totaling US$49.2 billion in 2008, a 22.4% decrease from 2007, according to the latest projections by Gartner. The numbers are down from Gartner's April forecast of a 19.8% decline in spending for 2008. Read more |
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Chroma Ate anticipates it will sustain strong sales in 3Q Jul 8, 14:48 IC testing equipment supplier Chroma Ate saw its second-quarter sales grow by 10% on quarter, and the company anticipates a seasonal upturn will help sustain strong sales in the third quarter, with the company citing its order-booking status. Read more |
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Tecom wins CHT second ROADM equipment contract Jul 2, 12:26 Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) announced on July 1 that Taiwan-based Tecom has won a bid for the supply of a batch of ROADM (reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexing) equipment. Read more |
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| 54 news tagged equipment (1/2) | |
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