LINEAR TECHNOLOGY EXPANDS IN SINGAPORE TO BOOST WORLDWIDE PRODUCTION CAPACITY

Linear Technology Corporation (NASDAQ: LLTC) opened the company’s third semiconductor test facility in Singapore. The additional space for staff, equipment and materials will allow the company to more than double its production capacity of advanced analog circuits and µModule^® (micromodule) products. This will strengthen Linear Technology’s ability to meet the growing demand for high performance analog integrated circuits worldwide.

The new 87,000-sq-ft facility is located beside Linear Technology’s present 191,000-sq-ft facility at Yishun Industrial Park A. Linear’s Singapore test operation, started 27 years ago in 1989, has sophisticated capabilities for high volume testing of the company’s numerous products, including many package types, tape and reel, as well as pack and ship to customers worldwide. The Singapore location also includes Linear’s Singapore Design Center and the area sales office supporting Singapore, Malaysia, India and Australia/New Zealand.

Over the years, Linear has continued to expand its Singapore test operations, with expansion of its first building in 1997 and a second five-story building completed in 2005. This third major expansion, adding an additional 87,000 square foot test facility, is now complete. With head count of nearly a thousand employees today, Linear has a highly experienced team, capable of testing the most high performance analog ICs. The facility provides test capability for over 90 percent of the company’s global demand.

Robert Swanson, Linear Technology Co-founder and Executive Chairman, who flew to Singapore for the opening, said, “The facilities in Singapore are vital components of our global manufacturing operations. Given the excellent conditions for growth in the region, as well as the skill and dedication of our employees here, Singapore will remain as the headquarters and focal point for all Linear Technology operations in Asia. We will continue to enhance our capabilities here to deliver advanced technology solutions to rapidly growing markets around the world.”

Lothar Maier, Chief Executive Officer of Linear Technology, added, “I have high confidence in our Singapore test infrastructure and the talent base we’ve cultivated here over many years, and we expect to grow it. Our advanced test operations here ensure that our customers in the demanding and fast growing automotive and industrial markets continue to receive the highest quality products.”

Singapore’s Economic Development Board Director, Pee Beng Kong, who officiated the grand opening of Building Three, stated, “We are pleased that Linear Technology has expanded its facilities here in Singapore. Linear’s expansion in Singapore is a strong testament to our attractiveness for advanced manufacturing and capabilities in analog and mixed signal IC design. With our existing strengths in this sector, Singapore is well poised to help companies like Linear grow both domestically and internationally.”

Globally, Linear Technology reached annual revenues of US$1.48 billion for its most recently completed fiscal year. Asia represents a fast growing and significant portion of the company’s overall sales. Today, Linear Technology’s operations in Singapore span test and end-of-line operations, Asia Pacific sales management, design and warehousing, as well as distribution to customers worldwide.