Toshiba said that its Toshiba LSI Package Solutions Corp (TPACS) will transfer its memory back-end function from Fukuoka to Yokkaichi, Mie prefecture, in order to be closer to its main memory production facility, Yokkaichi Operations.
The company said that the move, which will take place by November this year, will improve development efficiency in the memory back-end process.
By concentrating all aspects of memory technology development and production in Yokkaichi for both the front- and back-end processes, Toshiba said that it will improve coordination and cooperation across the overall manufacturing process.
In conjuction, the company said that it will increase the current overseas production ratio for the memory back-end process to about 80% by the end of fiscal year 2010, in a move to strengthen its cost competitiveness in the memory business.
TPACS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba, was established in April 2002 to support the back-end process for Toshiba’s semiconductor business. In October 2009, the company transferred its system LSI process operations and the memory back-end equipment at its Oita Operations facility to J-device (J-Device), a joint venture between Nakaya Microdevices, Amkor Technology, and Toshiba that provides semiconductor assembly and final testing services.
At its new facilities in Yokkaichi, the company said that it will focus on back-end process development that supports Toshiba in advancing its memory business, marking TPACS’ withdrawal from Fukuoka.