Date: 11/04/2012

TSMC starts phase-5 expansion of its semiconductor Fab 14

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) begins further expansion (phase 5) of of its Fab 14 GigaFab. Following TSMC's Fab 12 Phase 6 in Hsinchu, this facility will be another key production center for TSMC's advanced 20nm technology.

"TSMC will continue to invest in Taiwan and fortify its trinity of strengths - technology leadership, manufacturing excellence, and customer trust," said TSMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Morris Chang, who hosted the groundbreaking ceremony. "Our mission is to be the trusted technology and capacity provider of the global logic IC industry for years to come. In fulfilling this mission, we further solidify TSMC and Taiwan's indispensable position in the world semiconductor industry. This groundbreaking for Fab 14, Phase 5 represents TSMC's capability to develop leading-edge technology, build advanced capacity, and satisfy customer demand. It also lays the foundation for TSMC's next wave of growth."

Fab 14 is TSMC's second 12-inch fab following Fab 12, and Phase 1 of the facility began volume production in 2004. With Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4 now in operation, Fab 14 has capacity of 550,000 12-inch wafers per quarter, making it the world's largest 12-inch fab. Its capacity and yields continue to reach new highs, making it a global leader. The output of Fab 14 phases 1 through 4 has an estimated annual revenue of US$6 billion, and TSMC expects the combined annual revenue of Phases 5 and 6 to reach a similar scale.