MEMC Electronic Materials
MEMC is aglobal leader in the manufacture and sales of wafers and related intermediate products to the semiconductor and solar industries. MEMC has been a pioneer in the design and development of wafer technologies over the past four decades. With R&D and manufacturing facilities in the US, Europe and Asia, MEMC enables the next generation of high performance semiconductor devices and solar cells.
Taiwan as a valuable economic partner
Taiwan has experienced phenomenal economic growth over the last 30 years, particularly in the area of science and technology, and its significant contribution to the worldwide electronics industry. Recognizing the importance of Taiwan as a valuable economic partner, MEMC decided in 1995 to enter into a joint agreement with China Steel Corp., Chiao Tung Bank, and the China Development Industrial Bank to build a fully integrated wafer manufacturing facility at the Hsinchu Science Park (HSP). Named "Taisil Electronic Materials Corporation," the facility was fully operational that year and the first of its kind to produce 200mm wafers in Taiwan. This was an important first step in both meeting immediate customer demands for wafers and establishing the foundation for long term relationships.
In 2004, MEMC acquired the remaining shares of Taisil Electronic Materials Corporation, bringing its ownership up to 100%. The full ownership of Taisil was a strategic move by MEMC that expanded MEMC’s presence in one of the fastest growing regions in the world, allowing it to continue to enhance relationships with customers in Taiwan, Southeast Asia and Mainland China. In addition, it increased 9access to low cost manufacturing capability that could be easily expanded for either 200mm or 300mm wafer manufacturing because of available infrastructure at this site.
MEMC at HSP
MEMC has always recognized the importance of localization, and as such, Hsinchu Science Park has become an important part of its long term strategy to provide a local source for advanced wafer technology in one of the fastest growing semiconductor manufacturing regions of the world. Focusing primarily on semiconductor research and production, the Hsinchu Science Park or HSP is home to more than 400 companies, including some of MEMC’s most important customers. The park has had a profound impact on local and regional economic development and contributed significantly to the worldwide electronics industry. This success has given the park an international reputation and established it as a model imitated by other countries.
Highlighting its commitment to the regional economy, MEMC embarked on an aggressive program to bring 300mm capability into Taiwan to meet the growing customer demands for advanced silicon technology. In August 2005, MEMC celebrated another important milestone at Taisil by becoming the first wafer manufacturer to bring 300mm production to Taiwan. Taisil now gives MEMC the opportunity to even further expand its presence in this fast growing region. Combined with its existing 300mm capability in Japan, Taisil also allows MEMC to supply 300mm wafers from multiple geographic locations in support of a growing worldwide demand.