TSMC Kumamoto Plant 1 in Japan to be completed in February next year..."Test production from April"

Opening Ceremony on February 24... TSMC CEO Expected to Attend
Trial Production in April Next Year... Schedule May Be Advanced

The world's largest foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing) company, Taiwan's TSMC, is reported by Taiwanese media to complete its first local factory under construction in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, around February next year.

TSMC Semiconductor Factory in Kumamoto, Japan
[Image Source=Yonhap News]

On the 11th, the Taiwanese daily United Daily News cited sources within Japan, stating that the opening ceremony of the new factory will be held on February 24 next year. Wei Zhejia, TSMC's CEO, and senior Japanese government officials are expected to attend.

The Kumamoto Plant 1 is scheduled to begin producing 12nm (nm: one nanometer is one billionth of a meter) semiconductors. United Daily News stated, "Plant 1 is expected to start trial production in April next year, and there is a high possibility that this schedule will be advanced."

The Japanese government has been actively supporting industrial revitalization, including establishing a public-private semiconductor joint venture in 2021. Previously, it decided to provide 476 billion yen (43.149 trillion won) in support for Kumamoto Plant 1 as well.

In Kumamoto Prefecture, the construction of Plant 2 for 6nm semiconductor production is also under consideration. Taiwanese media, citing TSMC's supply chain, reported that Kumamoto Plant 2 is expected to start construction in 2024 and produce advanced 7nm process products by the end of 2026.

Additionally, Bloomberg News reported on the 21st of last month that TSMC is considering building a third factory in Japan, where advanced 3nm semiconductors will be manufactured.