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GREGORY S. HAZLETT, PE, Allendale Insurance, Seven Hills, OH, USA

ABSTRACT

The decision to refurbish a fab is often dictated by needs for improved product yields, increased capacity, replacement of antiquated equipment, etc. It can also be completed to lower the possibility of a crisis that could disrupt business continuity. Refurbishment could mean anything from making a single existing tool safer to building a completely new cleanroom. More and more companies are choosing refurbishment over building new fabs due to costs. From a loss prevention standpoint, the fab refurbishment project is an excellent opportunity to improve the facility, even if this is not the major reason for the refurbishment.