ASE Group and NXP Semiconductors Embark on a New Assembly and Test Joint Venture in Suzhou

(Business News & Technology News, 5 Oct 2007)

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc. and NXP Semiconductors recently announced the completion of an assembly and test joint venture. Initially announced in February this year, the name of the new company is ASEN.

Located in the Suzhou Industrial Park, Southern China, ASEN is strategically placed to serve the rapidly growing global semiconductor assembly and test market. As a joint venture, ownership is split between ASE (60%) and NXP (40%), and the Board consists of senior executives from both companies. Initially ASEN will focus on mobile communications, however it is expected to expand into other segments in the future. To meet customer needs, ASEN will offer a variety of package types, such as low pin count QFN, LFBGA, SO, TSSOP and other common packages for mobile applications.

"We are pleased to see we have successfully completed the joint assembly and test facility originally founded by NXP," said Dr. Tien Wu, COO, ASE Group. "The ASEN JV combines ASE's expertise in assembly and test, NXP's technology know-how and innovative processes. Together, we deliver strong value across the entire semiconductor industry chain, helping customers to optimize their assembly and test, shortening their time to market and ensuring high quality, cost-effective products."

"We are excited about this partnership as it delivers strong synergies by pairing our expertise and technological know-how with a complimentary partner to deliver optimal value to our customers both in China and in the global semiconductor market," said Ajit Manocha, Executive Vice President, Chief Manufacturing Officer, NXP Semiconductors. "This partnership is also a manifestation of NXP pioneering the asset light strategy in assembly and test, adding value in terms of cost and quality."

ASEN will leverage and expand the previous assembly and test facility of NXP Semiconductors in Suzhou. The ASEN facility is also targeted for further expansion within the next few years. The Suzhou Industry Park is an excellent location for ASEN as it has a well developed business-friendly infrastructure and provides the company proximity to its customers and markets.

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