By Cameron Chai
Toshiba has reported that the company will reconstruct its semiconductor manufacturing plant in Thailand. Toshiba Semiconductor Thailand (TST) will be relocated to a new manufacturing unit.
TST conducts back-end processes, packaging and assembly for photocouplers and small signal devices. The voltage and current will be controlled in digital consumer products by small signal devices. The digital consumer product section may potentially expand in the future years, with its focus being mainly on tablets PCs and smart phones. Photocouplers are extensively utilized in industrial products like inverters.
The location of the new plant will be at the 304 Industrial Park in Prachinburi, which is around 140 km towards the northeastern part of Bangkok. The new semiconductor location is outside the main drainage basins in Thailand, therefore TST gets an added benefit to execute its business continuity planning (BCP). Toshiba will commence the construction of a two-story building during July on a lot with around 135,000 sq. m area.
The new plant construction will enable Toshiba Group and TST to flexibly react to the market requirements, as the facilities provide high productivity and greater operating efficiency. This new plant may be completed next spring and the mass production is expected to commence during the Q2 of 2013.
The company’s primary investment in the semiconductor plant will include the construction expenses, which will be met by flood insurance settlements. According to the demands of the customers and the market trends, the expansion of production and future investment will be determined.
Source: http://www.toshiba.co.jp/