Hsinchu, Taiwan, December 2, 2022 – GlobalWafers, the 3rd largest silicon wafer manufacturer, held its groundbreaking ceremony on December 1, 2022, in Sherman, Texas, for its newest 300mm wafer factory, GlobalWafers America, which will increase its strategic presence in the United States semiconductor supply chain.
Over 200 attendees were present, including international and national, the White House Administration, federal, state and local government dignitaries along with key customers and critical suppliers.
GlobalWafers’ announcement will result in the first silicon wafer factory being built in the United States in over twenty (20) years and will address the critical shortage in US domestic supply of silicon, which has fallen to less than 1% of demand in light of the burgeoning growth in US semiconductor fabrication factories (fabs).
This major expansion by GlobalWafers is being brought to fruition, as a result of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 funding, state/local incentives as well as the strong support from US local customers. Lack of domestic silicon wafer supply for the US semiconductor industry has become alarming and highlighted with recent pandemic and geopolitical issues. Customers have been welcoming of this action by the Company as evidenced by long-term supply contracts, which address the key target markets of automotive, mobile, PC, consumer and industrial.
It is expected that construction, equipment installation, customer sampling and mass production will occur within two years. The factory is being positioned on a 58-hectare site affording ample space for multi-phased future expansions.
In the picture, from left to right：David Plyler, Sherman Mayor / Bi-khim Hsiao, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States / Sandra Oudkirk, Director of American Institute in Taiwan / Mark England, GlobalWafers President / Eddie Bernice Johnson, US Congresswoman / Doris Hsu, GlobalWafers Chairman & CEO / Kent Sharp, Sherman Economic Development Corporation President / Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of Texas Economic Development & Tourism / Dr. Ronnie Chatterji, White House in Charge of CHIPS Act implementation / JD Grom, Department of Commerce in Charge of CHIPS Act implementation.