The world’s second-largest maker of microprocessors, behind Intel Corp, ploughed about $2.5bn during the past two years into the so-called Fab 36 to help it meet growing demand for 64-bit microprocessors.
The factory will produce 300-millimeter, or 12 inch, silicon wafers and AMD said it expects to ship its first products from the plant early next year. Initially, those products will be made in the 90-nanometer node. AMD expects to begin 65-nm production by the end of next year.
By 2008, the plant’s output may reach 100 million units annually, AMD said.
AMD chief executive told local reporters that the plant will be instrumental in helping raise the company’s share of the PC processor market from 20% to 30%.
