TSMC starts construction of Fab 18 in Taiwan

Published: 1-Feb-2018

The cleanroom area of the new factory will be approximately the same size as 25 football pitches

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has started construction work on Fab 18, its fourth 12-inch GigaFab. The new facility, located in Southern Taiwan Science Park, is scheduled for production of the advanced 5-nanometer process.

TSMC has plans to complete construction of Phase 1 and begin equipment move-in in the first quarter of 2019, with volume production in early 2020.

Phase 2 will start construction in Q3 2018 with the aim to enter volume production in 2020. Phase 3 construction is scheduled for Q3 2019 for volume production in 2021.

Once all three phases enter production, the facility’s estimated annual capacity will exceed one million 12-inch wafers, providing 4,000 jobs.

“TSMC’s Fab 18 represents three important commitments from our company: our commitment to future growth, our commitment to continue moving technology forward, and our commitment to Taiwan,” said Chairman Dr. Morris Chang.

“Our estimated investment in 5-nanometer technology is approximately NT$700 billion, and total investment in Fab 18 will exceed NT$500 billion.”

TSMC currently employs more than 10,000 people in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, and once Phases 1, 2, and 3 enter volume production, more than 14,000 TSMC employees will be living and working in the Tainan area.

A semiconductor giant, TSMC said the company will continue applying high standards of green fab design to the new Fab 18 with comprehensive measures for energy saving, water conservation, pollution prevention and waste reduction.

The Fab 18 design includes an ecological green space, which both preserves habitats of native species and provides a pleasant environment.

The construction of Fab 18 in the Southern Taiwan Science Park is a key part of TSMC’s commitment to expanding investment in Taiwan. TSMC also plans to build its 3-nanometer production facilities here.

Fab 18 Basic Information:

  • Lot size: 42 hectares
  • Total floor area: 950,000 square metres
  • Total Cleanroom Area: Over 160,000 square metres (approx. 25 standard football pitch)

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