GlobalWafers has restarted part of its fire-damaged plant in Novara, Italy, faster than planned — good news for the silicon wafer maker and the chip customers it supplies.

• A fire on July 22 shut down the 8-inch wafer line at the Italian plant.
• All the key plant systems are running again and some early production steps have restarted.
• The first batch of epitaxial wafers has been processed and shipped.
• The new 12-inch expansion line was untouched by the fire; construction is done and customer qualification is moving ahead.
• The plant is insured for both property damage and lost business, and a claim is being processed.

Outlook: Full production should return gradually over the coming months, with insurance money expected to cushion the hit to earnings.