TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Morris Chang, confirmed on Monday (Nov. 21) that plans to build a 3-nanometer fab in Arizona are underway.
Following his recent return from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, Chang confirmed that the plant will be located in the same area as the current 5-nanometer fab. According to Chang, the 3-nanometer plant is part of the "phase two" plan to expand its TSMC site in Arizona.
Still, the 91-year-old businessman added that plans had yet to be finalized.
Also, Chang explained that many leaders attending this year's APEC Summit asked whether TSMC would be willing to establish additional fabs in their respective countries.
Speaking at the press conference on Monday, Chang revealed, "Many country (leaders) have approached me and asked whether we (TSMC) would be willing to set up shop in their country." Even so, the former chairman of TSMC seems strongly against the idea.
With 5 fabs currently in different stages of establishment in Taiwan, Chang seems intent on keeping the central manufacturing process within the nation for as long as possible.
Research consultant for Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association (PIDA) Chai Huan-hsin remarked that "removing the manufacturing process" of semiconductors from Taiwan is impossible. "With semiconductor roots and the industry’s supply chain foundation (here), it is still very difficult to carry out the relocation of the industry," he explained.
Despite the building of fabs in the U.S., experts believe that the main production of semiconductors will remain in Taiwan for the time being.
