SMIC plans Chengdu factory

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) plans to build a US$175 million chip assembly plant through a joint venture with the local government in Chengdu, Sichuan province. SMIC, which has plants in Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin, plans the investment despite recent overheating in the sector. Analysts said that the new factory was part of SMIC strategy to offer comprehensive chip services and avoid having to outsource to other firms.