Micron CEO hints that DRAM growth will slow sharply in 2001
By Jeanne Graham, EBN
Mar 12, 2001 (2:05 PM)
URL: ebnews.com
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The chief executive of Micron Technology Inc. broadly hinted here today that the growth in demand for DRAM will fall far short of previous years. During the last ten years, Micron has used improvements in process technology to maintain an average increase of bit-per-square-inch of silicon of about 45%. Consequently, Micron does not add capacity until it expects bit demand growth rates exceeding 45% Steve Appleton, CEO, president and chairman of Micron.
"If the market is going to grow by less than 45%, you don't need to add silicon," Appleton told a group of industry executives here this morning in the keynote address for Semico Summit 2001.
Micron has put the brakes on wafer capacity expansions this year, including its plans to activate a 300mm line in Lehi, Utah.
Bit demand growth has been in the range of 90% in recent years, so Appleton's statement would seem to indicate a dramatic slowing in the growth in demand this year. Asked about his statement later, Appleton declined to predict a precise figure for bit demand growth.
In his speech, Appleton noted that Micron is now often listed as one of the three largest memory makers, along with Hyundai and Samsung. "I don't care who's the largest," he said. "We care about being the most efficient." |
