A LEADING global supplier of semiconductor wafer products for the wireless industry is upbeat that demand in the industry would continue to grow in spite of the economic uncertainties.

Speaking at the opening of the new premises of its subsidiary, MBE Technology, IQE's chief executive Dr Drew Nelson said on Tuesday: 'While it is unclear at this point what the impact of the global financial crisis will have on the wireless communications industry, the long-term demand drivers for the industry are as strong as ever. The demand for wireless products appears set to grow rapidly over the coming years.'

MBE Technology, which was bought over by UK-based IQE in 2006, manufactures the semiconductor wafers. It relocated its premises from the Singapore Science Park to Tampines Industrial area at a cost of $1.6 million UK pounds (S$3.7 million).

The move will allow for significant future expansion of IQE's manufacturing capacity in the Far East and would also provide capacity for new products such as materials for advanced electronics and high efficiency solar cells.

The wafer products supplied by IQE are used in mobile phones, satellite communications, laser printers and thermal imagers, among others.