Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced on Tuesday plans to construct a second chip plant in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The plant will be opened through its Japanese subsidiary, Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM).
The decision garnered positive responses from Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and Kumamoto Prefecture Governor Ikuo Kabashima.
According to Reuters, Hayashi on Wednesday acknowledged and welcomed the company’s decision to further invest in Japan. Responding to inquiries about the Japanese government's support, Hayashi added that nothing has been decided at this stage, but that discussions are ongoing.
Governor Kabashima said on Tuesday that he was pleased with the decision, according to reports by Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK). Kabashima added that the prefectural government would make efforts to expedite improvements, including addressing traffic congestion, water supply, and drainage needs, to ensure the smooth establishment of the second plant.
TSMC stated that construction of the Kumamoto Plant 2 is expected to commence by the end of 2024, with operations set to begin by the end of 2027.