CHARTERED'S FAB 6 WINS
SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL'S 2004 TOP FAB AWARD
SINGAPORE - July 1, 2004 -Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing (Nasdaq: CHRT and SGX-ST: Chartered), one of the world's top three dedicated semiconductor foundries, today announced its Fab 6, also known as Chartered Silicon Partners (CSP), has been named Top Fab in 2004 by Semiconductor International, a leading US-based technical publication covering the global semiconductor industry. Established in 1998, CSP is a joint-venture company with Agilent Technologies, the Singapore Economic Development Board and Singapex Investments (a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Technologies).
The annual global competition invites entries from semiconductor companies with manufacturing facilities, including dedicated foundries, integrated device manufacturers and system companies. This is the second time Chartered has won this award. In 1997, Chartered's Fab 2 became the first dedicated semiconductor foundry to earn the prestigious title.
"We are delighted to pick CSP as one of the top fabs in the world in 2004. We were particularly impressed with the flexibility of the fab," said Peter Singer, editor-in-chief at Semiconductor International. "We based our decision on many factors, including manufacturing capability, ramp-time, degree of automation, contamination control procedures and consideration given to worker and environmental health and safety. CSP excels in all of these areas."
"We are extremely honored by Semiconductor International's recognition of CSP as the 'Top Fab' for 2004. CSP has contributed significantly to the Company's successful first-source business wins and continuing momentum in the production ramp of our 0.13-micron copper process, " said Kay Chai "KC" Ang, senior vice president of fab operations at Chartered. "As a joint-venture fab, the award also reaffirms Chartered's partnership model, which has provided a solid foundation for creating synergies through complementary strengths and delivering added value to our customers."
Semiconductor International will present the award to CSP on July 13 at the 22nd Annual Semiconductor International State of the Industry Breakfast, held as part of Semicon West in San Francisco.
About Chartered
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, one of the world's top three dedicated semiconductor foundries, is forging a customized approach to outsourced semiconductor manufacturing by building lasting and collaborative partnerships with its customers. The company provides flexible and cost-effective manufacturing solutions for customers, enabling the convergence of communications, computing and consumer markets. In Singapore, Chartered operates four fabrication facilities and has a fifth fab, the company's first 300mm facility, which is expected to begin pilot production by the end of 2004.
A company with both global presence and perspective, Chartered is traded on both the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: CHRT) and on the Singapore Exchange (SGX-ST: CHARTERED). Information about Chartered can be found at http://www.charteredsemi.com.
