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Renesas to sell 150mm fab in Germany to new foundry operator
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Renesas Technology has said that its aging 150mm fab in Landshut,
Germany, used to fabricate microcontrollers for smart card
applications, is to be sold to two of its managers and will be turned
into an analog mixed signal foundry operation. Silicon Foundry Holding
(SFH) will take over the fab and will be operated by former Renesas
managers Michael Lehnert and Gerhard Spitzlsperger. The transaction is
expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
According to Renesas, the 150mm fab had run its course, as microcontrollers needed to be fabricated at smaller technology nodes in larger fabs to remain competitive. Renesas is consolidating production into larger facilities in Japan using more advanced technology.
"Having evaluated all possible options for the future of RSEL in detail, the business plan of SFH, focusing on analog mixed signal production to support local markets including lower volumes, will be a positive solution to continue RSEL's business operations," says Satoru Ito, Chairman and CEO of Renesas Technology Corp.
The Landshut fab had been in operation for 28 years and had a 15,000wspm capacity when initially built. The fab's current processing capabilities range from 350nm to 180nm.