STMicroelectronics has inaugurated a new 200mm (8-inch) semiconductor wafer fabrication line dedicated to MEMS devices at its manufacturing site at Agrate, near Milan, Italy.

ST claims it is the first major MEMS manufacturer in the world to produce devices using 200mm wafers, which the company claimed will reduce unit costs and accelerate both the expansion of current applications and the development of new MEMS markets.

"This significant investment in a 200mm production line underlines ST's commitment to maintaining a competitive manufacturing base in Italy," Pietro Palella, general manager of STMicroelectronics Italy, said in a statement. "As we move established manufacturing technologies to the Far East, in keeping with the global manufacturing trend, we are also continually capitalising on the intellectual talents of Europe."

So far, ST said it has invested about $40m in transforming a former 150mm (6-inch) production area into a leading-edge MEMS production line. The new line, which currently occupies approximately 1,300 square meters and employs more than 100 people, is fully dedicated to MEMS devices, and also supports the MEMS R&D activities based in Castelletto. The area will be further increased to 2,500 square meters in line with market demand, ST said.

ST's MEMS have been getting a lot of play in recent weeks, literally. MEMS technology produced by the company was used in controllers on Nintendo's Wii gaming device, which hit North American stores amid much fanfare on November 19.