Mark LaPedus EE Times (03/17/2010 1:47 PM EST)

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- IC Insights Inc. has raised its forecast for IC capital spending.

The firm forecasts that 2010 spending will rebound and hit $40.7 billion, a 57 percent increase over 2009. This is up from its previous forecast of plus 45 percent. In 2009, capex fell 30 percent, it was noted.

In 2011, IC capital spending is expected to reach $48.6 billion, up 20 percent over 2010, according to the firm.

''This capital spending surge is expected to continue through 2012 to reach $54.8 billion that year, which would still be less than the industry spent in 2000, 2006, and 2007,'' according to IC Insights.

Market research firm IC Insights recently increased its estimate for 2010 semiconductor growth, saying it now expects chip revenue to increase 27 percent this year, reaching $253 billion.

Here's a list of the top capex spenders in 2010:

Click on image to enlarge.

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