TSMC will transfer obsolete equipment for producing 28‑nm microchips from Taiwan to Germany

TSMC expands production in Germany using equipment from Taiwan

The Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC plans not only to develop plants in the United States and Japan but also to open new facilities in Germany. As part of the joint venture ESMC (European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), the construction site Fab 24 is expected to start production with mature technology processes by the end of next year. Equipment that will be freed up during the modernization of Taiwanese factories is being directed there.

What’s happening in Taiwan
* Fab 15A – uses DUV lithography and produces 28 nm and 22 nm chips. In the near future, a transition to 4 nm technology is planned. Equipment intended for 22 nm/28 nm production will be sent to Germany.

* Fab 15B – works with the more modern N7+ technology and will soon move to N5 and N3. EUV equipment is already actively used here, making migration possible without significant efficiency losses.

TSMC is investing about $3.2 billion in upgrading the Fab 15 complex.

Why this matters
* Demand for advanced technologies is growing: more than 75% of the company’s revenue comes from the most modern lithography processes. Therefore TSMC is gradually phasing out mature technologies to focus on the future.

* Germany needs 28 nm and 22 nm – these technologies are in demand for producing chips for automotive electronic systems. Moving equipment from Taiwan allows meeting German market demand without having to build new lines from scratch.

Thus, TSMC not only strengthens its presence in Europe but also optimizes resource use: equipment no longer needed in Taiwan gets a new life in Germany.