An application by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to fabricate on 0.13-micron technology at its Songjiang 8-inch fab in Shanghai was approved by the Investment Commission of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on September 29, 2010.

Officials from the Investment Commission, which monitors Taiwan investment in China, indicated that the case-by-case approval was granted in view of the fact that TSMC plans to fund its technology upgrade with earnings generated from its operation in China.

In addition, the officials believe that TSMC wholly owns the Shanghai fab, and therefore concerns over the potential of seeing its technological IP leak out should be eased.

TSMC's board of directors recently approved a budget of up to US$225 million to invest in the Shanghai fab, with the funds mainly to expand capacity. Company vice chairman FC Tseng was quoted in previous reports indicating that monthly capacity at the 8-inch facility will reach 50,000 wafers by the end of 2010, and grow further to 60,000 in 2011.

By: DocMemory
Copyright © 2023 CST, Inc. All Rights Reserved