Posted on Wednesday, March 11 2009 @ 4:16 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
DigiTimes
reports foundries TSMC and UMC have both seen utilization rates grow to 50-60 percent at some of their fabs, mainly buoyed by rush orders.
TSMC recently lifted its guidance for the first quarter of 2009, mainly buoyed by rush orders. The pure-play foundry's utilization rate has from 45% to 50%, though the company is still in danger of recording its first quarterly loss in 20 years, according to the sources.
UMC recently enjoyed improving capacity utilization at part of its 8- and 12-inch fabs, with the utilization rate climbing to 60%, indicated the sources. The foundry posted a narrower revenue drop sequentially in February.
