Siltronic Samsung Wafer Pte Ltd. will produce 300mm wafers and aims to reach a monthly capacity of 300,000 by 2010, a statement said.

“Today’s commissioning is a key milestone in further expanding our presence on Asia’s growth markets,” said Siltronic chief executive officer Wilhelm Sittenthaler.

Oh-Hyun Kwon, president of Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor business division, said the 300mm segment is undergoing rapid growth.

The semiconductor industry’s long term prospects remain bright, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said. “Singapore has positioned itself to take full advantage of this and remain a leading manufacturing location in Asia for electronics and semiconductors,” he said.

Domestic exports of electronic goods from Singapore have been declining since February last year, according to the government’s trade promotion agency.

At a press conference, Kwon said that a major recovery in the semiconductor industry is unlikely this year because of an increase in production leading to price declines.

But he said Samsung sticks to its plans regardless of the market situation “because we have a very long-term plan.”

Siltronic AG is a subsidiary of chemical group Wacker Chemie AG.

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