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TSMC plans second Japan plant: A tech giant’s expansion
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is considering constructing a second facility in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, with an announcement expected in February. The new facility is projected to attract an investment of around two trillion Yen, roughly NT$421.6 billion. TSMC’s first plant in Kumamoto is nearing completion, indicating a significant expansion of the Taiwanese company’s operations in Japan. Industry analysts speculate that this development, along with the completion of TSMC’s first plant, could attract more semiconductor-related industries, including those from Taiwan, to Kumamoto. The new plant is expected to produce semiconductor products ranging from 7 to 16 nanometers. TSMC currently holds the tenth position in the list of 2023’s top global companies by market value, with a valuation of $53.498 billion, or about NT$1.67 trillion, according to UK-based financial services provider City Index.2024/01/29 11:38 -
C.C. Wei to maintain course after Liu’s 2024 exit: analyst
TSMC chairman Mark Liu’s upcoming retirement in 2024 has led investment experts to suggest that the semiconductor giant should slow down the progress of its new manufacturing facility in the United States. Industry analyst Jonah Cheng believes that TSMC’s policy direction will remain unchanged under the leadership of chief executive C.C. Wei, who is expected to succeed Liu as chairman. Cheng also proposes maintaining a dual leadership structure to cultivate successors from various backgrounds. Speculation suggests that Liu’s retirement may be linked to potential investment challenges in the company’s U.S. expansion. In response to these challenges, Cheng recommends a deceleration in the construction of TSMC’s second U.S. plant. He also highlights the need to assess the current downturn in the car market and economic outlook before proceeding with the German plant focused on automotive applications. Cheng suggests that the Japanese facility could be an optimal choice due to labor and power shortages in Taiwan, as well as cultural similarities and strong government support from Japan. TSMC’s primary obstacle, according to Cheng, is maintaining its leadership position in the semiconductor industry, especially after surpassing Intel. Additionally, the cyclical nature of the industry and the potential opportunities presented by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications pose further challenges for the company.2023/12/20 18:45