The On Semiconductor fab in Oudenaarde, Belgium, has been acquired by the Belgan Group. The group, in which former On Semi management is involved, plans to transform the 6-inch silicon site into a 6 and 8-inch gallium nitride (GaN) power electronics foundry. Target markets include automotive, mobile, industrial and renewable energy markets.
Newly-appointed CEO Alan Zhou considers it “an opportunity of a lifetime to build ‘GaN Valley’ in Belgium by leveraging Imec’s next-generation GaN power device innovations.” CTO Marnix Tack added: “The global market for GaN power chips is currently estimated at around 100 million dollars per year and is expected to accelerate to more than 1 billion dollars per year within the next 5 years.”
On Semi acquired the Oudenaarde fab from AMI Semiconductor in 2008. Two years ago, it decided to explore the sale of the facility to a strategic partner, which it has now found in Belgan. All 400+ employees will remain on board. In fact, the new owner is planning to expand and hire additional personnel.
