TSMC, the world’s largest silicon chip foundry, has announced plans to build its second production site in the US. The company is investing US$12 billion into the project, which will see the opening of a 5-nanometer chip factory in the state of Arizona.
TSMC says that construction of the plant is set to begin in 2021 and that operations will start in 2024. The plant is expected to employ over 1,600 and have a production capacity of 20,000 wafers per month.
However, because of the scale of investment involved, this project will need approval from Taiwanese government agencies before it can go ahead.
Science Minister Chen Liang-gee says that TSMC’s most advanced and valuable research and development department will remain in Taiwan.