IBM invests $150 million in Bromont plant

IBM Canada Ltd has made a $150-million investment in its Bromont PQ assembly plant, further enhancing the capacity of the parent firm's largest microchip assembly facility. The investment is part of a previously announced commitment by IBM to pump $7.5 billion into its semiconductor business to meet global demand.

The Bromont investment will result in the addition of 400 employees in 2001, bringing the facility's total workforce to 3,400. As such it represents one of the largest high-tech facilities in Quebec and Canada. It produces tens of millions of chip packages annually, typically focusing on value-added internal assembly and test operations for the company's most complex products. IBM Bromont also conducts customized microchip packaging for OEM (original equipment manufacturing) customers.

IBM Canada Ltd is one of the highest private sector R&D spenders in Canada. With annual R&D expenditures approaching $300 million annually, it consistently ranks among the top five of industrial R&D spenders.

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