UMC, DuPont form photomask venture
HSINCHU, Taiwan --United Microelectronics Corp. here and U.S.-based DuPont Photomasks Inc. (DPI) today announced an agreement to create a joint venture for the production of photomasks in Taiwan.
The joint venture, expected to be called DuPont Photomaks Taiwan Ltd., will manage and expand UMC's photomask operations at its silicon foundries in Hsinchu. Under the agreement, UMC will contribute cash and its existing photomask production assets. DPI will also invest cash and provide technology for mask making. Together, the two companies plan to invest $75 million over the next four years, including the construction of a new photomask production plant.
"Taiwan is one of the fastest growing semiconductor manufacturing regions in the world" said J. Michael Hardinger, chairman and CEO of DPI, which is based in Round Rock, Tex. "This strategic partnering of a captive mask operation and a worldwide merchant producer leverages the core competencies of both companies and strengthens our ability to service our respective global customers. We look forward to building on our relationship with UMC to enhance photomask production capabilities for UMC, its joint venture companies, USC, UICC, and USI and other Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers." |
