Tuesday, 07 December 2021 12:53

Samsung Electronics to set up new advanced semiconductor fab in the U.S.

Written by Evelyn Alas

Samsung Electronics, a global leader in advanced semiconductor technology, announced the construction of a new semiconductor manufacturing plant in Taylor, Texas. The estimated $17 billion investment in the U.S. will help drive production of advanced semiconductor logic solutions that drive next-generation innovations and technologies.

The facility will manufacture products based on advanced process technologies for application in areas such as mobile technology, 5G, high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Samsung remains committed to supporting customers globally by making advanced semiconductor manufacturing more accessible, and meeting the growing demand for cutting-edge products.

"As we add a new facility in Taylor, Samsung lays the groundwork for another important chapter in our future", said Kinam Kim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions Division.

"With increased manufacturing capacity, we will be able to better serve our customers' needs and contribute to the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain."

"We are also proud to generate more jobs and support training and talent development for local communities as Samsung celebrates 25 years of semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.", Kim said.

"In addition to our partners in Texas, we are grateful to the Biden Administration for creating an environment that supports companies like Samsung as we work to expand cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing in this nation", Kim continued. "We also thank the administration and Congress for their bipartisan support to quickly enact federal incentives for domestic chip production and innovation".

The opening will occur in the first half of 2022 with the goal of having the facility operational in the second half of 2024. This industrial facility located in Taylor will span more than 5 million square meters and is expected to serve as a key location for Samsung's global semiconductor manufacturing capacity, along with its new production line in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

Key contribution to Texas growth

The total projected investment of $17 billion, including buildings, property improvements, machinery and equipment, will mark the largest investment ever made by Samsung in the United States.

This will also bring Samsung's total investment in this country to more than US$47 billion since it has started U.S. operations in 1978, where the company now has more than 20,000 employees.

"Companies like Samsung continue to invest in Texas because of our world-class business climate and exceptional workforce", Gov. Abbott said. "Samsung's new semiconductor manufacturing plant in Taylor will provide countless opportunities for Central Texas workers and their families, and will play an important role in our state's continued exceptionalism in the semiconductor industry. I look forward to expanding our partnership to keep Texas a leader in advanced technology and a dynamic economic powerhouse".

After reviewing several locations within the U.S. for a potential manufacturing site, the decision to invest in Taylor was based on multiple factors, including the local semiconductor ecosystem, infrastructure stability, local government support and community development opportunities. In particular, the proximity to Samsung's current manufacturing site in Austin, about 25 miles southwest of Taylor, allows the two locations to share the necessary infrastructure and resources.

This latest expansion of Samsung's U.S. presence is expected to generate more than 2,000 high-tech jobs directly and thousands of related jobs once the new facility is fully operational. As part of its co-investment in the community,

Samsung will also contribute financial support to create a Samsung Skills Center for the Taylor Independent School District (ISD) to help students develop skills for future careers and to provide internships and recruiting opportunities.