United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) has seen capacity remain short of demand, especially that at its 12-inch fabs, through the third quarter of 2010, according to company CFO Chi Tung Liu.
Liu responded to concerns about Europe's debt woes that may hamper global recovery from the previous downturn, and recent speculation that upstream design houses and IDMs are slowing down their pace of orders.
Liu noted that UMC's current order visibility is 2-3 months. New capacity at the foundry's 12-inch fabs has been immediately booked up, said Liu, adding that UMC does not see any signs of a slowdown in demand.
Liu's remarks were made at UMC's annual general shareholders meeting on June 15. Meanwhile, the foundry's plan to raise new capital through a private placement was approved at the meeting.
UMC was quoted in previous reports saying the purpose of the fundraiser is to bring in a strategic partner.
In addition, Liu indicated UMC is about to complete its application to take over a major stake in China-based Hejian Technology, without elaborating further.
Article translated by Jessie Shen
