TAIWAN GIANT CHIPMAKER TSMC OPENS FIRST PLANT IN JAPAN AS PART OF KEY GLOBAL EXPANSION

Chip giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. opened last weekend 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, or 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 $20 billion for both plants. Both plants are in the Kumamoto region, southwestern Japan.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent a congratulatory video message, calling the plant’s opening “a giant first step.” He stressed Japan’s friendly relations with Taiwan and the importance of cutting-edge semiconductor technology.