Xilinx pumps US$40M into new S'pore building

SINGAPORE--Semiconductor maker Xilinx has unveiled plans for a new building to house its regional headquarters, in a bid to expand its operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The San Jose-based company first established its headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region here in 2004. It has invested US$40 million into the building, which will have a floor space of 20,000 square meters, according to company officials.

Expected to be completed in mid-2007, the new building will also quadruple the capacity of its current onsite manufacturing facility and will be able to house up to 500 employees.

Stacy Fender, managing director of the Xilinx's Asia-Pacific operations, said the company currently has 125 employees but the number is likely to ramp up once the new building is completed.

Xilinx's investment in Singapore reflects its optimism about the region, said Kris Chellam, its senior vice president, corporate and enterprise services. The Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, had contributed 39 percent to the company's total revenue of US$1.6 billion in the third quarter of 2005.

This figure is likely to increase, he said.

"Over a period of between five and seven years, we believe that Asia will contribute more than 50 percent of the revenue worldwide," said Chellam.

According to independent research firm iSuppli, the semiconductor industry in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan) is expected to grow to US$133 billion in 2009, from US$88 billion in 2005.