TSMC plans another chip fab in Arizona

TSMC plans another chip fab in Arizona

New York, Nov. 14, 2022

Apple supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is reportedly planning a second chip fab in Arizona. The fab would be in addition to the $12 billion Arizona chip plant, which is scheduled to come online in 2024.

The first fab will produce 5-nanometer (nm) chips as well as more advanced 4-nm chips. The second plant will likely support TSMC’s improved 3-nanometer process exclusively.

The N3E node is expected to be used to produce Apple’s upcoming M3 chip for Macs and the chips in the iPhone 15 Pro, which is expected to launch in the second half of 2023.

TSMC has not confirmed the second plant, but indicated that construction is underway on a building that could potentially serve as a second fab. It would be TSMC’s third manufacturing facility in the United States. The company also operates a fab in Camas, Washington.

Most of its advanced chip manufacturing facilities are in Taiwan.