GlobalWafers wants to build new wafer factory in the US

Wafer manufacturer Globalwafers has plans to build a production facility in the US state of Texas. The company expects the first 300mm wafers to be produced in the factory in 2025.

The construction plans involve an investment of 5 billion dollars. Once construction is complete and production is progressing beyond 2025, there should be monthly 1.2 million 300mm wafers roll off the assembly line and there will be 1,500 jobs, GlobalWafers expects. According to the Taiwanese company, it is the first time in 20 years that a wafer factory of this size has been built in the US.

The company points out that most wafers are currently produced in Asia and that the American semiconductor industry is therefore largely dependent on the import of wafers. GlobalWafers calls the factory an important step to combat the chip shortages.

The company hopes to receive financial support from the US government. Whether construction will go ahead and what size the factory will get is subject to approval of the Chips Act, the company reports to AFP. That bill is designed to support the US semiconductor industry with $52 billion, but Democrats and Republicans have reached an impasse on whether to approve or not. The state of Texas supports GlobalWafers’ construction plans.