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Technology Stocks : MEMC INT'L. (WFR -NYSE) The Sleeping Giant?

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To: Zeev Hed who wrote (4317)3/29/1999 8:40:00 AM
From: olduvai5  Read Replies (1) of 4697
 
OK FWIW, Nippon Steel did make poly and monocrystalline Si as well as DRAM. Now that biz belongs to UMC. It was a strategic move designed to insulate themselves from potentail problems with supply in the area. Taisil (MEMC/Taiwan Semi JV) has had some difficulties on ramping up, but that is all in the past. TSM is in direct competition with UMC world wide for foundry business, thus UMC's desire to isolate themselves from buying from the competition. There have been numerous rumors over the past 2 years about a UMC/TSM merger, but all smoke and no fire.

With respect to 300mm, UMC has no capacity for raw wafers. I don't know about processing, I don't think they have anything there either. I am as confused by the press release as you. The Tainan plant had been planned for some time. Switching to 300mm will not be hard, as little is there except the shell, if that. It only takes money!

BTW - there are a lot of new players coming into the foundry business in the next 2 years and there will be some consolidation in 2001-2. Identifying the winners early could be rewarding. I am betting on TSM as they have the best tech and depth of defense.

olduvai5
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