Taiwanese chip maker TSMC has announced plans to invest $2.87 billion in establishing an advanced packaging facility in northern Taiwan. The move comes in response to a sharp increase in demand for artificial intelligence (AI), driven by the AI boom. TSMC’s CEO, C.C. Wei, revealed that the company is currently unable to meet the rising customer demand and aims to double its capacity for advanced packaging. Advanced packaging involves placing multiple chips into a single device, which reduces the added cost of more powerful computing. TSMC, known as the world’s largest contract chipmaker, intends to keep its most advanced chip technology in Taiwan. This decision reflects the country’s status as a global powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing for various industries, including smartphones and electric vehicles.
The Tongluo Science Park administration has already granted approval for TSMC’s application to lease land, and the company expects the new plant in Miaoli County to generate approximately 1,500 job opportunities. While TSMC is expanding its operations internationally due to the global economy’s slow recovery, it remains committed to keeping its cutting-edge chip technology within Taiwan’s borders.
Despite holding a dominant position as the leading manufacturer of AI chips, including those used by chip designers Nvidia Corp and Advanced Micro Devices, TSMC has not been immune to the broader weakness in end markets. The global economy’s slower-than-anticipated recovery has had an impact.
TSMC’s capacity for advanced packaging, particularly its chip on wafer on substrate (CoWoS) technology, is stretched and limited. The company is striving to rapidly increase its capacity to meet market demand. CEO C.C. Wei expects the capacity tightness to ease by the end of next year.
This significant investment from TSMC exemplifies the growing importance of AI and the demand for advanced packaging in the semiconductor industry. By expanding its capacity, the company aims to satisfy the needs of various sectors, from AI and computing to autonomous vehicles and beyond. As TSMC strengthens its position in the market, it seeks to contribute to the development of transformative technologies while cementing Taiwan’s role as a key player in the global semiconductor landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
Why is TSMC investing in establishing an advanced packaging facility in Taiwan?
TSMC is investing in the facility to meet the sharp increase in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and to double its capacity for advanced packaging. This move is driven by the AI boom and the need to reduce the added cost of more powerful computing.
What is advanced packaging?
Advanced packaging involves placing multiple chips into a single device, which helps to reduce the added cost of more powerful computing. It is a critical technology in meeting the demand for high-performance computing.
Why does TSMC want to keep its most advanced chip technology in Taiwan?
TSMC wants to keep its most advanced chip technology in Taiwan because the country is a global powerhouse in semiconductor manufacturing. This decision reflects Taiwan's status and capabilities in producing semiconductors for various industries like smartphones and electric vehicles.
How many job opportunities will the new TSMC plant in Miaoli County generate?
TSMC expects the new plant to generate approximately 1,500 job opportunities in Miaoli County.
Has TSMC been affected by the slower-than-anticipated recovery of the global economy?
Yes, TSMC, like many others, has been affected by the slower-than-anticipated recovery of the global economy. Despite holding a dominant position as the leading manufacturer of AI chips, TSMC has experienced weakness in end markets.
What is TSMC doing to address the capacity limitations in advanced packaging?
TSMC is striving to rapidly increase its capacity for advanced packaging, particularly its chip on wafer on substrate (CoWoS) technology, to meet market demand. CEO C.C. Wei expects the capacity tightness to ease by the end of next year.
What sectors will benefit from TSMC's expanded capacity and investment?
TSMC's expanded capacity aims to satisfy the needs of various sectors, including AI, computing, and autonomous vehicles. The company recognizes the growing importance of these technologies and seeks to contribute to their development.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.