TSMC’s US factory catches up with Taiwan’s production in trials

TSMC has begun testing at the first of its three new factories in Arizona, United States. Information from an unidentified internal source indicates that production has started well, with results comparable to the company’s facilities in its home country of Taiwan.

The factory in question is one of three being built by TSMC in the US state. The Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer will invest a total of US$65 billion in the project, with another US$11 billion from Uncle Sam. The government money will be divided into US$5 billion in loans and another US$6.6 billion in subsidies.

The heavy U.S. investment is part of the country’s push to increase its chip production capacity, so the initial tests in Arizona indicate it is working. And the news will be especially welcome after questions about TSMC’s productivity abroad.

Friction between U.S. employees and Taiwanese managers, as well as difficulties in finding skilled labor, have caused delays in the company’s initial plans. This has also created concerns about the final productivity of the factories. However, these initial tests should reassure politicians and investors.

TSMC brings advanced processes to the US

TSMC’s first Arizona factory is expected to begin mass-producing chips in the first half of 2025. It will focus on current semiconductor lithography processes.

The second factory is expected to start operating in 2028, also producing in 3nm, but also working in the next generation 2nm.

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Finally, the US will receive a third TSMC factory between 2029 and 2030. This last facility will specialize only in 2nm chips or even more advanced processes.

If the results continue to be positive, TSMC’s partnership with the US government should go even further, helping the country establish itself as a semiconductor manufacturing hub.

Source: TechSpot