Anyone who follows the news even a little is aware that the semiconductor industry is going through difficult times right now. The manufacturing crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has led to a global semiconductor shortage that now plagues many industries, from automotive to computing. But who would have thought that a global shortage of microcircuits could lead to the emergence of new alliances on the market.
According to Japanese Nikkei sources, the Japanese company Sony and Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC are considering building a joint semiconductor manufacturing plant in Kumamoto Prefecture in western Japan. Insiders point out that TSMC will own a controlling stake in the new production, but the plant will be built on the Sony site near the factory for the production of image sensors. The Japanese government will also take part in the launch of the new joint venture. According to some reports, the Japanese authorities will cover up to half of the construction costs of the plant in the amount of $ 7 billion.
It is reported that the plant will produce chips for cameras, cars and other devices. Denso, one of the leading auto parts manufacturers in the world, has already announced its interest in the joint project between Sony and TSMC. If everything goes according to plan, then the new production will be launched by 2024. Representatives of Sony and TSMC for obvious reasons declined to comment, although earlier the Taiwanese chip maker said that he was reconsidering his attitude to such projects and was open to cooperation with other companies.
The launch of a joint Sony and TSMC plant is not surprising. According to some analysts and experts, the shortage of microcircuits in the world will last at least until 2023, provided that demand does not grow faster than predicted. In such a situation, Sony and TSMC, having teamed up, will be able to quickly recover from the crisis and increase stability. In addition, by opening a plant in Japan, TSMC will no longer have to worry about tensions between the US and China that threaten the company’s production in Taiwan.
