2010 foundry revenues up almost 40% says iSuppli

The analyst's projected revenue is up 24.6% from 2008 levels of $19.9bn and by 2013, iSuppli forecasts foundry revenue of $35.9bn with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5%. "Lured by innovative new features and a renewed economy, worldwide consumers again are purchasing electronic products," said Len Jelinek, director and chief analyst for semiconductor manufacturing at iSuppli. "Unless conditions deteriorate once more, previously pent up need for new consumer products will fuel foundry demand, iSuppli believes." Jelinek believes leading foundry manufacturers are ready to meet this demand from the consumer and wireless markets, having developed process technology capable of supporting such growth. As a result, iSuppli says that revenue expansion in the foundry business will outperform that of the semiconductor industry in 2010. The report adds that growth won't be limited to the leading foundry vendors but will also extend to specialty foundries, which stand to reap benefits as their niche products that are associated with new designs position them for growth.