Wuhan Xinxin Semiconductor Manufacturing, a 12-inch chip plant located in the central China province of Hubei, has passed an environmental impact assessment for its expansion plan, according to Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). The fab is set to upgrade to 65nm and 40nm process technologies, SMIC said.
SMIC in October 2010 reached an agreement with the Wuhan municipal government to share the ownership of Wuhan Xinxin, making Wuhan Xinxin a joint-venture fab. SMIC used to manage and operate Wuhan Xinxin on behalf of the local government.
SMIC revealed it plans to invest US$4.5 billion to grow capacity and develop technologies at Wuhan Xinxin over the next three to five years. The 12-inch fab will focus on manufacturing using advanced 65nm and 40nm processes, and target mainly the China market.
SMIC said monthly capacity at Wuhan Xinxin will expand to 45,000 wafers in 2013 from 15,000 at present.