Global Crystal Italy FAB300 is launched, one of the few consistent 12-inch factories in Europe, Xu Xiulan: Promoting the development of the European semiconductor ecosystem

Semiconductor silicon wafer major Global Wafer unveiled its new 12-inch wafer fab "FAB300" in Novara, Italy, on the 15th. It is positioned as an advanced base in Europe and one of the few with consistent process capabilities from wafer growth to wafer. It is operated by its subsidiary MEMC Electronic Materials S.p.A., with the goal of strengthening the resilience of local supply and getting closer to European customer needs.

This production expansion was finalized as early as February 2022, with a total investment of 450 million euros. FAB300 was included in the European Union's "Common Major Investment Plan - Microelectronics and Communication Technology" and received a R&D funding injection of 103 million euros. Italian central and local officials, members of the European Parliament and many customers and suppliers were present to witness the event, highlighting the strategic position of Europe's semiconductor landscape.

Chairman Xu Xiulan said in her speech: "FAB300 is not just a factory, but also a symbol of innovation, sustainability and common growth. It demonstrates the professionalism, resilience and excellent execution of the Italian team, and has been widely recognized by the European market. For Global Crystal Generally speaking, customers, technical expertise and talents are always the core of enterprise development. FAB300 allows Global Wafer to get closer to customers, jointly develop forward-looking technologies, support its long-term growth strategy, and promote the development of the European semiconductor ecosystem. 》

After full mass production, the new factory will produce 12-inch polished and epitaxial wafers using the latest automated equipment, with applications covering advanced logic, memory, power semiconductors and MEMS/sensors. Combined with Merano's crystal growth business, Global Crystal can provide overall solutions from crystal growth, slicing, polishing to epitaxy in Europe, shortening the supply chain distance and improving delivery flexibility.

FAB300 simultaneously introduces green manufacturing: it promises to follow RE100, use 100% of electricity from renewable energy, and increase the water recycling rate to about 50%. The company stated that the new factory will not only provide advanced manufacturing capabilities, but is expected to create up to 150 professional jobs and strengthen the industrial cluster and talent cultivation in the Piedmont region.

This opening follows the opening of GlobalWafers America, the flagship new factory in Sherman, Texas, on May 15, which shows that the company's strategy of multi-site layout and deep penetration in Asia, Europe and the United States is accelerating. Global Crystal emphasized that 12-inch silicon wafers are advanced and mature processes and key materials for memory chips. The launch of FAB300 will consolidate the role and supply resilience of the global semiconductor supply chain.