February 12, 2007
Japanese press reports say that Dai Nippon Printing, the world's second largest photomask producer, plans to spend 20 billion Yen (approx.
NTD 5.4 billion) to build a photomask plant in Taiwan, which is slated to start operations in Sept. 2008.
The plant will serve mainly as a supplier to semiconductor vendors in Taiwan, which has the most 12-inch semiconductor wafer plants in the world.
Dai Nippon Printing's move is in anticipation of increased demand for photomasks among chip manufacturers in Taiwan, as major companies such as Elpida -- also of Japan -- are expanding in Taiwan.
The company estimates that this plant will achieve sales volume of up to 5 billion Yen for the year until Mar. 2009, and 12 billion Yen the following year.
Taiwan will be the third mass production site for Dai Nippon, which already operates plants in Japan and Italy.
The global photomask industry is estimated to be worth 300 billion Yen. Dai Nippon is the world's second largest photomask producer, with 20% of the market, and hopes to challenge market leader, Toppan, which holds 30% of the market and also operates a production site in Taiwan.
Dai Nippon's investment affirms the stability of Taiwan's economy, its improving investment environment, and rising interest among foreign investors, said Hu Sheng-cheng, Chairman of the Council for Planning and Economic Development.
Construction of the new plant will begin in April this year.
(Economic Daily News, Central Daily News)
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