Update: Official Micron/Intel Press Release
Hot off the presses from the Wall Street Journal:
Intel Corp. and Micron Technology Inc. agreed to form a joint venture to manufacture flash memory, as the two giants target a fast-growing but volatile corner of the semiconductor market.
The new company, to be called IM Flash Technologies LLC, will make NAND flash memory, a variety of chips used to store data in cellphones, digital cameras and other portable products. Micron will own 51% of the venture, while Intel will own the remaining 49%.
Intel and Micron said they have also entered into separate long-term agreements to supply Apple Computer Corp. with a significant portion of the venture's flash memory output. Apple, which uses flash chips in some versions of its iPod music players, will prepay $250 million each to Intel and Micron. (WSJ.com - Intel, Micron Create Memory Chip Venture)
Also of note, production will take place in Boise, ID, Manassas, VA, and Lehi, UT!
This is great news. However, the Lehi operation will be the last to start up with this production, not until Spring 2007. Hopefully market conditions will not scuttle their medium-term plans like the last time.
Posted by: Mark Steele | December 01, 2005 at 02:15 PM
What kind of water consumption will be required for this production at the Lehi facility? Vandana Shiva, in her book "Water Wars" states that the computer chip industry uses the most water of any other industry in the world. I bet the Lehi residents had no idea, instead they were told how many jobs it would bring.
Posted by: Elisabeth Luntz | December 09, 2005 at 04:03 PM
What kind of water consumption will be required for this production at the Lehi facility? Vandana Shiva, in her book "Water Wars" states that the computer chip industry uses the most water of any other industry in the world. I bet the Lehi residents had no idea, instead they were told how many jobs it would bring.
Posted by: Elisabeth Luntz | December 09, 2005 at 04:04 PM
What kind of water consumption will be required for this production at the Lehi facility? Vandana Shiva, in her book "Water Wars" states that the computer chip industry uses the most water of any other industry in the world. I bet the Lehi residents had no idea, instead they were told how many jobs it would bring.
Posted by: Elisabeth Luntz | December 09, 2005 at 04:04 PM