Aptina and LFoundry plan for future of CMOS imaging

USA: Aptina has established a strong, strategic partnership with LFoundry to continue the manufacture of CMOS image sensors in Avezzano, Italy following LFoundry’s purchase of Micron’s semiconductor fabrication facility. LFoundry brings specialty device foundry experience and a deep customer focus to build on the Avezzano facility’s longstanding technical relationship with Aptina.

Aptina’s sensors built in the Avezzano facility offer industry leading performance enabling both manufacturers and end users to bring to market differentiated products in a wide variety of imaging applications including smart phones, automobiles, tablets, televisions, gaming platforms, sports cameras, medical equipment and digital cameras.

Following the closing of LFoundry’s recently announced purchase of Micron Technology Italia Srl., and its semiconductor fabrication facility in Avezzano, Italy, LFoundry will assume responsibility for continuing the manufacturing of silicon wafers for Aptina from Micron. Micron has been manufacturing imaging sensors for Aptina in the Avezzano facility for over five years. This transaction will include the assignment to LFoundry of Micron’s four-year wafer supply agreement with Aptina.

“We look forward to our continued relationship with the Avezzano facility, and building on our relationship with LFoundry,” said Tony Alvarez, COO at Aptina. “We have a long and successful history with the Avezzano facility and have shipped to our customers over 1 billion image sensors manufactured at this location. We are confident that LFoundry will build on this legacy to assure the continued reliable supply of high quality and high performance products for our customers.”

Aptina has had an excellent relationship with the Avezzano manufacturing team, creating many successful processes and ensuring quality wafer manufacturing for Aptina’s customers. With LFoundry’s acquisition of the Avezzano plant, this successful supply chain will continue to be maintained and enhanced.

“The acquisition of the Avezzano, Italy facility promotes a strategic win for LFoundry, and the Avezzano facility. We look forward to helping Aptina to produce industry leading CMOS imaging solutions,” said LFoundry CEO, Günther Ernst.

Micron remains a co-owner of Aptina and is committed to supporting a smooth transition of the ownership of the Avezzano facility to ensure success for all parties.