Kingston expands memory module manufacturing capabilities

Kingston Technology Company has expanded its service offerings to its current supply chain management model. Dubbed "The Payton Project", Kingston`s expanded capabilities - housed in a newly built $100+ million facility - offers DRAM manufacturers and other semiconductor companies a complete Build-to-Order (BTO) memory module manufacturing solution within the United States for the first time.

These services now encompass all production processes from the receipt of silicon wafers to the shipment of completed memory modules, and are supported by Kingston`s new facilities in California and in Taiwan.

"Historically, Kingston`s memory module production began with the receipt of DRAM chips from semiconductor companies," says Ian Rayner, Kingston brand manager at local Kingston distributor AXiZ. "Every module manufactured would be placed through rigorous testing to insure reliability, compatibility and integrity of its design specified by the DRAM companies. In turn, Kingston would either warehouse or ship the completed modules back to the DRAM companies or their customers."

The "one-stop" service of the Payton Project begins with the receipt of silicon wafers, followed by die cutting, packaging, and chip testing. Payton`s chip packaging services will link with Kingston`s current model of building and testing memory modules according to specifications. The new supply chain process timeframe - from silicon wafers to memory modules - has been reduced by as much as eight weeks.

"Today, DRAM companies as well as their customers - computer and electronic equipment manufacturers - will benefit from shorter manufacturing cycle times with Kingston`s one-stop service," says Rayner. "The shorter cycle times will virtually eliminate product mix issues and simplify forecasting and planning."

Kingston`s new facility completed its first production run on June 2nd and is now open for volume production. With annual sales over $1.5 billion in 1999, Kingston offers a complete line of memory, storage, networking and PC enhancement products. With strictly regulated ISO-registered facilities in the United States (ISO 9001), Ireland (ISO 9002), Malaysia (ISO 9002) and Taiwan (ISO 9002), Kingston markets its products through an extensive worldwide network of distributors, major reseller chains and independent dealers.