X-Fab Silicon Foundries Group sells its wafer fabrication plant in Plymouth, UK, to Plus Semi. The agreement closing is expected by the end of 2009. A technology license agreement ensures the continuation of the existing operation. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. The Plymouth facility representing a share of less than five percent of X-Fab`s total capacity. In collaboration with Plus Semi, it was possible to find a solution that enables the plant in Plymouth to continue operation under new ownership. Plus Semi, in turn, is able to expand its business into analogue product sales.

X-Fab is a analog/mixed-signal foundry group manufacturing silicon wafers for analog-digital integrated circuits (mixed-signal ICs). X-Fab maintains wafer production facilities in Erfurt and Dresden (Germany), Lubbock, Texas (US) and Kuching, Sarawak (Malaysia), and employs approximately 2,500 people worldwide. Plus Semi is a trade name of JSFM Consulting Limited.

Plus Semi acquired the manufacturing assets and IPR from MHS Electronics UK Limited (in administration) on 1 May 2009. Plus Semi provides Bipolar processes on Silicon & SOI and design services for fabless semiconductor companies. The management team were the driving force behind the Zarlink Analog Foundry which derived from Plessey Semiconductors based in Swindon.