Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Semi Equipment Analysis -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Donald Wennerstrom who wrote (51537)	3/21/2011 2:34:24 PM
From: Donald Wennerstrom	1 Recommendation Respond to of 95587

Japan Quake Has Stopped About 25% Of Silicon-Wafer Production -IHS iSuppli 12:44 PM ET 3/21/11 \| Dow Jones The earthquake in Japan has resulted in the suspension of about one-fourth of worldwide production of silicon wafers used to make semiconductors, according to an industry researcher. IHS iSuppli said that after the quake, manufacturing operations have stopped at Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.'s (SHECY, 4063.TO) Shirakawa facility and MEMC Electronic Materials Inc.'s (WFR) Utsunomiya plant. Those two plants combine for 25% of the global supply of wafers used to make chips. "The suspension of operations at these plants could have wide-ranging implications beyond the Japanese electronics industry," IHS said. "A 25% reduction in supply could have a major effect on worldwide semiconductor production." Last week, MEMC said it had evacuated the plant and that operations there remained suspended pending the conclusion of safety inspections and damage analysis. Shin-Etsu also last week said operations were being halted at the Shirakawa plant.