DigiTimes reports that Apple chip supplier TSMC recently hosted a topping-out ceremony for its new Phoenix, Arizona chip fabrication plant.
In a post on LinkedIn, TSMC said:
Great progress continues on our 5-nanometer semiconductor fab – “FAB 21” – in #Phoenix, #Arizona. We recently celebrated placing the last beam – also known in the construction industry as a “topping” milestone – in FAB 21’s fab building with our local partners. Over 4,000 attendees were on hand to enjoy this important moment including our own employees and partners. #TSMCArizona is on time and on track to bring the most advanced leading-edge semiconductor technology to the U.S.. We are deeply grateful to our partners and look forward to more successful milestones in Arizona.
The $12 billion factory will be the first of its kind to mass-produce 5nm chips in the United States. All of Apple’s current chips, including the A14 Bionic and M1 chips, are fabricated using a 5nm process.
Last year, TSMC announced that it was moving ahead with its plans to build a new manufacturing plant in Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix city officials approved financial incentives and government support for the new plant in November 2020. The city has agreed to provide $200 million in support to build out infrastructure, including sewers and roads.
TSMC’s total spending on the project is expected to be around $12 billion from 2021 to 2029. The facility is expected to directly provide over 1,600 high-tech professional jobs.
The Phoenix facility will be TSMC’s second manufacturing site in the United States, as it already operates a factory in Camas, Washington. It also operates design centers in Austin, Texas, and San Jose, California. The company’s main manufacturing facilities are located in Taiwan.
(Via MacRumors)