Diodes to Invest $9 Million More in China Operation

Diodes Inc. in Westlake Village said it will invest an additional $9 million in its manufacturing facility in China.

The new money, which brings Diodes’ total investment in plant and equipment in Diodes-China to almost $40 million, will be financed with cash flow and existing credit facilities. The expansion is scheduled for completion by the end of this year, with full production expected in the first quarter of 2001.

C.H. Chen, president and chief executive, said the expansion is expected to increase production capacity by 30%.

“Demand is such that our 1999 expansion of $11 million is sold out, thus requiring this $9 million expansion,” Chen said. “Our 1999 expansion is on target and is expected to be at full capacity by midyear 2000.”

Diodes manufactures semiconductor devices for manufacturers in the automotive, electronics, computing and telecommunications industries.