News in Brief
17 Jun 2002
This week's news covers new facilities, more job cuts and display alliances.
US-based pioneer of electronic paper,
E Ink, has opened a flexible microelectronics facility in the US. Devoted to developing flexible transistors for electronic displays, the 9500 sq. ft plant is said to be a world first.
US Data Storage giant
EMC has cut 2400 jobs following disappointing revenues. Chief executive Joe Tucci insists that EMC's position is strong but said: "industries served by EMC have made major cutbacks."
Developer of OLED technology,
eMagin of the US, has received USD 3 million from Korean investors
SK Corporation. SK may also invest another USD 7 million in eMagin. "We look forward to partnering with eMagin to create portable data and imaging products," said SK's vice-president of business development June-soo Lee.
Semiconductor manufacturers have announced more job cuts this week. France-based
ST Microelectronics has reduced US numbers by 500 and a company spokesperson said another 450 losses could follow.
Applied Materials, US, has reduced its global workforce by 2000. Both companies blamed job cuts on the declining semiconductor industry.
Global electronics and display manufacturer,
Densitron, has joined forces with UK-based display developers,
Opsys, to create OLED display modules for mobile devices. Opsys's chief executive Michael Holmes says the alliance is looking forward to making these devices lighter and more powerful.
Canadian optical-switch developer,
Edgeflow, has bagged USD 24 million in its first round of funding. The start-up plans to use the cash to develop and commercialize its products. 
