SMIC starts volume production of LCOS backplane wafers for 1080P Rear Projection HDTV market

-- In a strategic, continuous move to expand its Silicon foundry business into the booming rear projection HDTV market, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (NYSE:SMI) today announced volume production and shipment of 1080P LCOS backplane wafers to key global leading LCOS IDM and fabless customers.

"SMIC's leading-edge backplane Silicon technology enables high performance but low defect LCOS panel and system optics and thus premier quality of rear projection TV in a truly high-definition format," said Roger Lee, Senior Vice President of SMIC. "Thanks to the efficient and dedicated LCOS development team for their persistent, diligent and excellent work, this success would greatly help placing SMIC ahead of competitors as the leading foundry of choice for LCOS backplane wafers to global IDM and fabless customers."

About SMIC
SMIC (NYSE: SMI, SEHK: 0981.HK) is one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world, providing integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing at 0.35-micron to 90-nanometer and finer line technologies to customers worldwide. Established in 2000, SMIC has four 8-inch wafer fabrication facilities in volume production in Shanghai and Tianjin. In the first quarter of 2005, SMIC commenced commercial production at its 12-inch wafer fabrication facility in Beijing. SMIC also maintains customer service and marketing offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan, and a representative office in Hong Kong. As part of its dedication towards providing high-quality services, SMIC has achieved ISO9001, ISO/TS16949, OHSAS18001, TL9000, BS7799 and ISO14001 certifications. For additional information, please visit http://www.smics.com.