Subject: Cleanroom Market Growing Again
Chip unit sales are approaching the all time high levels set in 2000. Revenues are still lagging but they should surpass the previous high by late 2004. Capacity utilization is reaching the point where expansion is necessary. All in all, the good times are returning for cleanroom suppliers. We will be modeling and closely monitoring the relationship between cleanroom revenues and both chip unit shipments and revenues. There are more chips on each wafer but the cost per chip is down. Also the greater use of mini environments will impact filter and clothing sales.
This time around there is also growth in other sectors. Flat panel displays are continuing to be a big and growing market. The pharmaceutical and bioclean segments are doing well. There are some intriguing bioterrorism related opportunities.
Asia is experiencing the biggest growth. China will be the largest purchaser of cleanrooms within a decade but will only be the fifth largest purchaser in the next few years. Japan will continue to hold on to second place but South Korea is coming on strong with its flat panel display expansions. Taiwan is becoming the world’s major source of independent or contract chip manufacturing.
China is now a significant source of glass fibers for cleanroom filters and pre-filters. It is also a large source for the carbon used for molecular contamination control.
In World Cleanroom Markets we provide monthly updates of developments as well as forecasts for each country, for a number of cleanroom components, and for supplies in each industry in each of 80 countries and sub regions. For more information on this continually updated online report click on http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/cleanroom.html or contact
Bob McIlvaine
847-784-0012