TOKYO (AP) – Chip giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) opened yesterday in an official ceremony its first semiconductor plant in Japan as part of its ongoing global expansion.
“We are deeply grateful for the seamless support provided by you at every step,” TSMC Chairman Mark Liu said after thanking the Japanese government, local community and business partners, including electronic giant Sony and auto-parts maker Denso. The company’s founder Morris Chang, was also present.
This comes as Japan is trying to regain its presence in the chip production industry.
The Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), is set to be up and running later this year. TSMC also announced plans for a second plant in Japan earlier this month, with production expected to start in about three years. Private sector investment totals USD20 billion for both plants. Both plants are in the Kumamoto region, Japan.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent a congratulatory video message, calling the plant’s opening “a giant first step”.
Japan had previously promised TSMC JPY476 billion in government funding to encourage the semiconductor giant to invest. Kishida confirmed a second package, raising Japan’s support to more than JPY1 trillion.
