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America’s chip industry is making strides toward self-reliance as GlobalWafers plans to develop silicon wafers in Texas.
GlobalWafers to Kickstart Silicon Wafer Production in America, Benefiting TSMC and Other Chip Firms
Interest in building chip production lines in the U.S. has surged over recent years, largely due to government policies viewing this sector as a matter of national security. Under the Trump administration, firms like TSMC and Samsung have invested heavily in the region. Now, according to Taiwan Economic Daily, GlobalWafers plans to expand its operations through a new Texas facility, marking domestic silicon wafer production. This move will reduce reliance on foreign entities such as those in Taiwan.
Silicon wafers are crucial for chip manufacturing. Before chips like TSMC’s can be produced, they need silicon disks, which GlobalWafers creates. For advanced chips, the wafers typically have a 300mm (12-inch) diameter; without them, the chipmaking process cannot begin. The US facility is expected to produce approximately 300,000 pieces per month in its first phase.
In the past, the U.S. relied on firms like Shin-Etsu Chemical and Sumco for silicon wafers, which were imported from TSMC and others. With a dedicated wafer facility in Texas, this process will become smoother, allowing companies to source locally instead of importing wafers. Mark England, an executive at GlobalWafers, stated that Texas is ideal due to tax benefits and a supportive supply chain.
It’s clear that America is attracting the attention of several semiconductor firms globally, signaling a shift from the East to the West, which significantly benefits the U.S.
