MEMC Electronic Materials Inc. says it will cease production of silicon crystal ingots and wafers at facilities in Sherman, Texas, and St. Peters, Mo. These closings will occur in stages during 2010 and early 2011, as production shifts to other locations.
The actions at the two sites are expected to affect approximately 540 employees in the U.S. A small number of these affected employees will be offered positions at other MEMC locations.
The company also notes that it experienced a disruption in production at its polysilicon facility in Pasadena, Texas, due to an equipment failure on August 7, requiring a large portion of the facility to be shut down. Initial reports indicated that the company's silane and polysilicon inventory levels would cover the lost output caused by this disruption until normal production levels were achieved.
Although the failed equipment has been replaced, subsequent rebuild and restart difficulties have delayed the resumption of normal operations at this facility, according to MEMC. The company expects to be back to normal production levels before the end of this month.
SOURCE: MEMC Electronic Materials Inc.
