April 16, 2012 - PRNewswire -- Highly secretive wafer level chip scale packaging (WLCSP) start-up Deca Technologies might take over SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR) Fab 1, when the solar photovoltaics (PV) supplier consolidates its Philippine manufacturing operations to Fab 2 this quarter.
SunPower invested an undisclosed amount of capital in Deca when the packaging house launched, and is a minority shareholder. It gave Deca half of its fab space in Laguna Technopark, Philippines to use, as well as human resources, and process/operational know-how. Deca is also funded by Cypress Semiconductor. Read about Deca Technologies' launch here.
Sunpower has 2 lines running on its new process for Maxeon Gen E cells, and expects to have all 12 lines at Fab 2 converted by the end of 2012, said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. He added that repurposing Fab 1 enables SPWR to rationalize operating expenses, improve supply chain efficiency, and lower manufacturing cost per watt. Yields and efficiency will be improved at Fabs 2 and 3 in conjunction with the move.
SunPower is working with Deca Technologies and others on the use of the Fab 1 facility. Employees at Fab 1 will be transferred to Fab 2 or have the opportunity to work for potential Fab 1 tenants. SunPower will transfer some equipment from Fab 1 to Fab 2 to reduce manufacturing constraints.
SunPower expects to record pre-tax GAAP charges in restructuring totaling $51 million to $69 million, primarily non-cash asset impairment charges of $40 million to $54 million, and other cash-based associated costs of $11 million to $15 million, for the closure of Fab 1. Of the pre-tax GAAP charges totaling $51 million to $69 million, $47 million to $63 million will likely be recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 and the remainder in ensuing quarters.
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers high-efficiency, high-reliability solar panels and systems. For more information, visit www.SunPowercorp.com.
Print
Email
Save
