Charging its US semiconductor production and eyeing to create hundreds of high-tech jobs by 2028, GlobalWafers is pouring an extra $4 billion into its Texas chip plant.
GlobalWafers, a semiconductor manufacturer based in Taiwan, has announced a further $4 billion investment in its U.S. operations. The news came during the official opening of its new 300mm silicon wafer facility in Sherman, Texas, last week.
The expansion will grow the company’s 142-acre Sherman campus, bolstering its production capabilities to match increasing demand. This move aligns with broader industry trends, as major players like IBM, TSMC, Apple, and Nvidia invest heavily in US semiconductor production.
The Sherman plant, now the firm’s American headquarters, already represents GlobalWafers’ largest silicon wafer site. Initially funded with $3.5 billion, it has created 1,200 construction jobs and 180 permanent positions. The company aims to hire up to 650 more staff, including engineers and technical workers, by the end of 2028.
GlobalWafers also secured $406 million in CHIPS and Science Act funding for this project. It is one of the few companies to finalise a funding deal under the Biden administration, enhancing its ability to scale production swiftly.
Part of the new investment will also benefit its facility in St. Peters, Missouri. Operated through its US subsidiary, MEMC, this site will produce 300mm silicon-on-insulator wafers.
These wafers are essential for manufacturing semiconductors used in products ranging from consumer electronics and vehicles to mobile phones and AI technologies. The advanced materials offer improved performance by reducing surface defects and contamination.
The Sherman facility is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the domestic semiconductor supply chain, a strategic priority for the US as it seeks to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.