newsbytes@clarinet.com (02/04/90)
TOKYO, JAPAN, 1990 JAN 29 (NB) -- Hitachi has decided to establish a new production base for 4-megabit DRAM (dynamic random access memory) chips in Hokkaido, in order to meet future demand from makers of book-size computers. Hitachi is planning to set up a diffusion line and assembly line capable of a monthly output of one million units at its semiconductor production subsidiary Hitachi Hokkai Semiconductor in Chitose, Hokkaido. Hitachi expects to spend over ten billion yen ($69 million) for the new 4-meg chip production lines. Hitachi already produced 200,000 4-meg DRAMs last December in its Naka, Ibaraki, and Kofu, Yamanashi factories. But the firm has determined that the production capacity of the two factories will not meet future demand. Hitachi will gradually increase monthly production to one million units by this summer, and intends to achieve monthly output of two million units by year's end. (Ken Takahashi/19900201)