Globitech, a US-based subsidiary of Sino-American Silicon Production (SAS), has announced the inauguration of its second wafer fab on December 21. SAS chairman MK Lu indicated that the new plant will be a part of the company's efforts to vertically integrate 8-inch wafer production resources.

Globitech, which manufactures small-to-medium size semiconductor wafers, was acquired by SAS in April 2008, and the subsidiary turned profitable in June 2009. Its first plant is now running at full capacity and it has brought plant two online to fulfill orders. When fully operational, both fabs will have the same capacity, capable of producing 300,000 6-inch wafers. Globitech will invest US$40 million in 2011 to install 8-inch wafer production lines.

Globitech is projected to turn in US$11 million in net income for 2010, up ten-fold from 2009. Revenues will jump 120% from 2009 to US$72 million. Judging from the expansion schedule, 2011 revenues should see at least a 40% growth. Texas Instruments, Onsemi and Vishay are clients of Globitech.

Depending on market conditions, SAS plans to expand Globitech's capacity and possibly set up facilities in Asia to service customers in Japan. In regards to reports on Globitech's plan to publicly list in Taiwan, SAS indicated that it is evaluating all options but no plans have been finalized.