TSMC to invest over NT$1.5 trillion in Kaohsiung complex

Taipei, March 31 (CNA) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is investing more than NT$1.5 trillion (US$45.16 billion) in its complex in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, Y.P. Chyn (秦永沛), the chipmaker's executive vice president and co-chief operating officer, said Monday.

Speaking at a topping-out ceremony for Fab 22 in Kaohsiung, Chyn said the compound will have five phases of development and is expected to create more than 7,000 job openings for high-end technology talent and an additional 20,000 construction jobs.

At the ceremony, TSMC celebrated the placing of the final beam at Phase II of the Kaohsiung complex, paving the way for future production.

Chyn said the development of the 2nm process is proceeding very smoothly, adding mass production of the new technology is scheduled to start later this year.

The topping out of Phase II in the Kaohsiung compound represented an important mileage for TSMC's 2nm process efforts, Chyn said. TSMC also developed the 2nm process in Hsinchu, northern Taiwan.

The installation of production equipment in Phase I is underway. Construction of Phase III has begun.

Chyn said TSMC will launch Phase IV and Phase V in the Kaohsiung complex to bring the total investments to more than NT$1.5 trillion. After the completion of the five phases in the Kaohsiung, TSMC is expected to run cleanrooms with a total of areas equivalent to 46 standard soccer fields, he said.

TSMC's new 2nm technology development will cater to strong global demand and its production expansion just demonstrates the company's commitment to its clients, Chyn said.

In the first two years into commercial production, Chyn said, clients' demand for the 2nm process is expected to beat demand for the 3nm process, the latest technology TSMC has launched commercial production, during the corresponding period.

Along with TSMC's other wafer fabs in the Southern Science Park, the company is expected to build the largest semiconductor cluster in the world, Chyn said.

Chyn said TSMC's 2nm development is expected to drive the world to generate about US$2.5 trillion in end-user product value.

According to Chyn, under the same power consumption, the 2nm process will be 10-15 percent faster than the 3nm process, while at the same speed, the 2nm process will enjoy 25-30 percent lower power consumption than the 3nm process.

TSMC has been in discussions with the authorities to find more land for its investments in Taiwan, Chyn said.

While TSMC is investing overseas, including in the United States, Japan and Germany, the chipmaker has reiterated Taiwan is its home and will continue to expand in its homeland.