Micron is ramping up the IM Flash Singapore fab without using cash from its chum Intel.
The big idea is that it will get all the output of the fab without some of it going to Chipzilla. At the same time, the company is planning to start transiting to 20nm process technology in summer, 2011. All this is being done as Intel's slowly walks away from the joint venture.
Micron CEO Steve Appleton, told financial analysts that Intel was not participating with the funding at the site. He said that Micron already had the cash assuming that they were not going to participate. At the moment, Micron could really use the output for service centre customers.
Intel only needs flash memory to make its solid-state drives (SSDs), it does not need IM Flash Singapore flat out and would rather save its money. Micron makes NAND flash products flogs them to smartphone makers. It is expanding its capacities and transit to newer process technologies so to boost output and further cut down production costs.
Wants all the products for itself
Nick Farell
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