Topco Scientific, a major distributor for blank wafer maker Shin-Etsu Handotai (SEH), has forecast revenues for 2010 will grow 30% on year. The semiconductor material distributor also confirmed recent speculation that average contract prices for 12-inch silicon wafers will rise 10-20% in the second quarter.
Average prices for 12-inch blank wafers were raised by 5% to US$110-120 in the first quarter, said Topco. The prices once slid below the US$100 mark from the early-2009 level of US$140, Topco indicated.
Topco saw a 34% revenue drop in 2009, down for the second consecutive year. Sales from 12-inch wafers are expected to boost its revenues this year, according to the company.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) are two of Topco's major customers. The silicon wafer distributor said it has also landed new clients specializing in DRAM manufacturing, including Nanya Technology and Inotera Memories.
Topco saw revenues through February reach NT$1.63 billion, a 85% jump from 2009.
Article translated by Jessie Shen
