TOKYO, Aug. 31 (Kyodo) — Fujitsu Ltd. announced Friday it will transfer ownership of specific semiconductor facilities (related to LSI assembly and testing) as a continuation of its “fab-lite” strategy announced in 2009, amid deterioration of its chip business due to the yen's appreciation and slack demand. Fujitsu still remains in the semiconductor production business.
The company will close its Kyushu plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, and sell its Miyagi plant in Miyagi Prefecture and the Aizu plant in Fukushima Prefecture to J-Devices Corp. which makes semiconductor chips under contract.
Fujitsu Integrated Microtechnology Ltd., which has operated the three plants with 1,900 workers, will be liquidated, while J-Devices will expand production to improve its competitiveness.
Employees at the two plants subject to the sale in December will be transferred to J-Devices. Kyushu plant workers will move to J-Devices or Fujitsu group firms.
Correction: The article originally incorrectly stated that Fujitsu Ltd. announced it will withdraw from semiconductor chip production in Japan. Fujitsu would like to clarify that it is transferring ownership of some facilities, and remains in the semiconductor production business.