GlobalWafers Japan (GWJ), a subsidiary of Taiwan-based semiconductor-grade silicon wafer maker GlobalWafers, will expand its 8-inch wafer production capacity by about 10% in 2015, according to president and CEO Toru Masaoka.
GWJ uses epitaxial and annealing processes to produce silicon wafers, with annealing 10% lower than the former in cost, Masaoka said. GWJ will expand epitaxial and annealing capacities for 8-inch wafers and hike quality of 12-inch annealed wafers in 2015, Masaoka noted.
GWJ currently has a global market share of 40-50% and 60% of consolidated revenues from annealed wafers, Masaoka said. For 8-inch annealed wafers in particular, global demand is estimated at 600,000-700,000 units a month and expected to increase by about 20% in 2015, Masaoka indicated.
Due to continually decreased production costs and depreciation of the Japanese yen, GWJ expects 2014 net profit to grow 30% on year, Masaoka said.
