23 July 2019
Cardiff, UK. 23rd July 2019: IQE plc (AIM: IQE; "IQE"), the leading global supplier of advanced wafer products to the semiconductor industry, announces the successful qualification, commencement of initial production and receipt of additional orders of wireless products for Asian supply chains.
As previously communicated, because of the current trade situation between the US and China, supply chains are being redeveloped across the globe. This has had an impact on sales volumes for IQE’s products, as global customers adjust to these new supply chain situations and IQE becomes qualified in these new supply chains.
However, IQE remains well placed to support these changes because of its diverse global footprint, with manufacturing plants in the US, Europe and importantly in Asia (Taiwan and Singapore), and its powerful portfolio of wireless products
IQE has now qualified with a major customer in Asia for new Asia-centric supply chains for Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs). These are used as Power Amplifiers (PAs) in mobile handsets, wifi hotspots and other wireless devices. Initial production for this customer has now commenced and additional qualification of significantly higher production capacity is underway from the newly installed capacity at IQE’s facility in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
In addition, significant additional orders have been received by IQE from a second Asian customer, specifically addressing increased demand from Asian OEMs.
Finally, IQE’s Singapore operation has also completed qualification of a new Asian customer for Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistors (pHEMTs). These are also used in wireless devices and networks and IQE has already received initial orders for production.
Dr Wayne Johnson, Executive VP, Global Business Development, Wireless and Emerging Products commented:
“These new qualifications for Asian supply chains reflect the strength of IQE’s global manufacturing footprint, our leading product portfolio and our ability to quickly respond to the rapidly changing supply chain dynamics.
“We look forward to significantly increasing both the volume and breadth of products we are able to provide to these new Asia-centric supply chains, including products under currently development such as filters and high-performance switches”