Reorganisation
Mexico at the end of 2003. The core production team will remain in place
into Q3 2003, at which time manufacturing will be relocated to other Philips
sites in North America, Asia and Europe. The fab has a workforce of 600
people. The fab was constructed in 1980-81. The first chips came off the
line in 1982. The fab was built by Philips and operated under the Signetics
brandname until 1992.
Kulicke & Soffa Industries is "exploring options for certain of its non-core
business units". These include the companys dicing saw, wafer and hard
material blade, and flip-chip business units. K&S has begun very preliminary
discussions with potential buyers while also exploring other alternatives.
Sale of the units is not guaranteed and they will continue to be operated
with full support from the company, says K&S. The companys wire bonder,
wire, capillary, and test interconnect operations are considered to have
greater growth potential.
Infineon Technologies launched a Secure Mobile Solutions (SMS) group on
November 1, 2002. The operation merges the companys former Wireless
Solutions and Security and Chip Card ICs activities. This move is part of
Infineons "Agenda 5-to-1" programme (Bulletin 451, September 20, 2002).
Materials handling system company Entegris is to close a facility making
fluid handling products for the semiconductor industry in California,
shifting production to Minnesota. The transfer will begin in December 2002
with completion expected by February 2003. About 7% or 121 people of the
companys workforce worldwide will lose their jobs starting from September
1, 2002.
NEC Electronics Corporation has officially separated from NEC Corporation,
forming a wholly owned subsidiary. The separation was formed under a
Japanese kaisha bunkatsu.
