Everything at IM Flash Technologies is fab.
Laurie Bott, corporate affairs manager for the Lehi-based company, told a group this week that NAND flash fabrication at the former Micron Technology facility is going well.
Bott described the bustle of activity at the once nearly dormant facility as "the most aggressive ramp in the semiconductor history."
"We've exceeded all expectations," Bott said Tuesday during the Salt Lake Rotary's weekly luncheon.
About 60 percent of the 2.3 million square feet at the seven-building complex is being used for the joint venture of Micron and Intel as they compete with Samsung and Toshiba. IM Flash has two CEOs and "two strong parents" but has found a way to incorporate core values, Bott said.
While Micron had 400 to 500 people working in a chip "probe and test" operation at the Lehi facility, IM Flash invested $4 billion to $6 billion to prepare the site for fab operations. IM Flash now has 1,464 workers — on its way to 1,600 to 1,850.
Processing the 300mm wafers began Jan. 5, and Apple will get the first $500 million in inventory. Once the silicon wafers come to the facility, they undergo a 483-step, 30- to 60-day process. Ultimately the materials are taken elsewhere to create 6-gigabyte chips used as a power and memory source in digital cameras, MP3 players, computers and other mobile devices.
"It will impact the way you do business and live on a daily basis," Bott said.
IM Flash plans to have a sister facility in Singapore, which will be larger "and a copy to the successes we've had," she said.
One audience member wondered if NAND flash will be as susceptible to market forces as DRAM, which had such a downturn that Micron had to nearly mothball the Lehi facility before it could fulfill its lofty promise of thousands of jobs.
"In technology, there is always fluctuation," Bott said, "but our parents have committed to ride out the fluctuation process to be competitive on a global scale. ... That's part of the market, but we have the dollars to support that longevity."
Bott also noted that IM Flash intends to be supportive of community activities and education.
"We plan to be an outstanding corporate citizen," she said, "and look for the opportunity to interact, particularly with the Rotary Club, chambers and anywhere we can say, 'We're here and we're committed to excellence and to the Lehi and Utah site."'
E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com