Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMI), one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world, has started production on Shanghai's first 12-inch wafer fab.

More than 200 guests, including customers, investors, banks, strategic partners, vendors, industry experts, and government representatives attended the ceremony. SMIC's Shanghai 12-inch manufacturing line is part of the science and education project promoted by the Shanghai Municipal Government to encourage productivity and competitive development. Construction for SMIC's Fab 8 began in October 2005. Eighteen months later, in May 2007, state-of-the-art equipment was moved in and pilot production commenced in July 2007.

At the ceremony, Dr. Richard Chang, president and CEO of SMIC, reflected on SMIC's advancements during the past years and thanked government officers and industry representatives for their long-term support and commitment to bolster the high tech industry.

Yu Zhengsheng, Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, together with members from the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government and key officials from the Pudong and Zhangjiang area, attended the ceremony.