Samsung to Add One More CIS Fab

PulseNews: Samsung is to convert Line 11 in Hwaseong fab in Gyeonggi Province active since mid-2000s to CIS production starting the first half next year to meet growing demand for mobile imaging, high-end photography, and security and surveillance applications. Sony is said to have a solid lead on the CIS narket, controlling 44.5% of global supply including iPhones. Samsung is at second place with a share of 15% as it supplies the imagers for Samsung premium phones.

SeekingAlpha quotes Samsung representative on that: "we’re planning to convert Line 11 to CIS given the fact that strong image sensor demand...

And to give thorough detail about the CMOS image sensor CIS that we’ll be using part of Line 11 to produce as you know with the increased adoption of dual camera, the application has itself been growing and also in addition to these mobile cameras we’re also trying to expand the applications to VR automotive as well as 360 degree cameras. So to respond to market demand as well as customer request, we will be converting part of Line 11 for our CIS production. Our target is to start mass production first half of 2018 but that is subject to market demand as well as customer request."

Samsung Hwaseong plant