SEMI: Fab investments poised for a comeback

摘要

Fab spending has been sliding since early 2008 and is poised to sink to a 10-year low in 2009, according to recent data and projections from SEMI-but the good news is that 2010 could see a 90% surge in fab investments.rnAfter tailing off as early as 1Q08, investments in frontend facilities (construction and equipment) quickly fell through the floor, according to SEMI; the group pegs a projected -51% decline for all of 2009 vs. 2008, and the pace of facilities closures will nearly double (35 vs. 19). Worldwide capacity will decline about 3% overall to 15M wafers/monthrn(200mm equivalent), and twice that rate of decline (-5% to -7%) for the much-maligned memory sector.