El Segundo, CA, May 1996 - Recognizing the need for continued supply of a wide range of MOSFETs to its customer base, International Rectifier (IR) has entered into an agreement with Rochester Electronics Inc. (REI) for continuing manufacturing of select HEXFET® power MOSFETs.

Effective July 1, 1996, REI will begin to assemble and test TO-3 and TO-39 packages for commercial applications. This move follows IR's announcement to discontinue manufacture of these MOSFET styles. Dice will be purchased by REI from International Rectifier for use in these products. For current users of these parts, REI will continue to supply according to the International Rectifier part numbering system.

This agreement, global in scope, is the first relationship between REI and International Rectifier. REI, based in Newburyport, MA, specializes in taking on the support of discontinued products on behalf of semiconductor manufacturers. This will be their first offering of MOSFET devices.

According to WD Collins, International Rectifier Vice President of Discrete Marketing, "this action provides our customer base with an enhanced level of support and options. REI's service to the market of select traditional products for the past 15 years is important to customers' designs. Their added offering of TO-3 and TO-39 MOSFET devices allows IR to focus manufacturing resources on next-generation products."

Military grade products will continue to be supplied from International Rectifier's El Segundo operation.