TSMC and Sony: Semiconductor joint venture concept emerges: New factory in Kumamoto
-A joint venture plan for a new factory of 1 trillion yen in Kumamoto-
Sony and Taiwan TSMC:
Under the initiative of the METI, “a plan for Sony and TSMC to jointly build a semiconductor factory in Kumamoto Prefecture” has emerged.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry acts as an intermediary:
The METI will act as an intermediary to coordinate the parties concerned.
The total investment is expected to be 1 trillion yen or more, centering on the front-end process.
However, in order to attract them, it is essential to significantly expand support measures such as subsidies that are inferior to those in Europe and the United States.
Joint Venture Establishment Concept:
The idea is that the two companies will establish a joint venture for semiconductor manufacturing by the end of 2021.
There is a possibility that TSMC will take the lead and Japanese companies other than Sony G will also partially invest and participate in the framework.
Pre-process factory:
The plan is to build a front-end factory near Sony’s image sensor factory in Kumamoto Prefecture.
It seems to produce middle-end products with a circuit line width of 20 to 40 nanometers used for automobiles, industrial machinery, home appliances, etc.
This is the first factory in Japan with a line width of less than 40 nanometers.
Investment sharing:
Sony G will take care of the land building to share the investment.
TSMC is in charge of the manufacturing process
Adjust in the above direction.
Post-process factory:
It is expected that a post-process factory for packages will be newly established in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Japan’s automotive semiconductor market:
TSMC is looking forward to entering the Japanese automotive semiconductor market.
Japanese automakers are currently being forced to cut production due to a shortage of semiconductors.
Construction of a new factory in Japan will be a great help in reducing supply chain risk.
Consignment with Renesas Electronics:
By outsourcing some production to TSMC, it will be good news for Renesas Electronics, a major automotive semiconductor company.
Sony image sensor production:
Sony G can stably procure semiconductors for its own products.
It also seems that the joint venture factory can be used for image sensor production.
New switch
Sony G President Yoshida: “1 trillion yen semiconductor factory” without denying the news
Sony’s 2021 policy:
2021 policy is strategic investment in “DTC” and “IP IP”
The Sony Group held a management policy briefing session for 2021.
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun report:
The Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun and others reported on May 26th.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Sony Group is a joint venture with Taiwan TSMC.
Build a new semiconductor factory in Kumamoto for about 1 trillion yen
Questions were also asked about this truth.
Answer from CEO Yoshida:
Regarding this, CEO Yoshida declined to comment on the article.
In general, he replied, “A stable supply of semiconductors is important for maintaining Japan’s international competitiveness.”
Business Insider Japan