[News] TSMC Reportedly Upgrades Central Taiwan 28/22nm Fab to 4nm; Phase 2 1.4nm Trial Production May Start 3Q27
TSMC is reportedly upgrading its Central Taiwan Science Park fab. According to Economic Daily News, citing supply chain sources, TSMC’s Fab 15A—originally focused on 28nm to 22nm processes—is undergoing a major upgrade to support 4nm production, with legacy equipment being relocated and new tools gradually installed. The report adds that total investment, including cleanrooms and manufacturing equipment, is expected to exceed NT$100 billion, significantly expanding TSMC’s advanced-node capacity.
Currently, TSMC’s Central Taiwan footprint includes Fab 15A and Fab 15B, with Fab 15B mainly focused on 7nm production. The report also indicates that some 28nm to 22nm equipment from Fab 15A is being gradually relocated to TSMC’s fab in Dresden, which is expected to begin mass production in 2027. The facility focuses on mature 28/22nm and 16/12nm processes for automotive and industrial applications.
Central Taiwan Phase 2 1.4nm Fab Progresses Ahead of Schedule
Meanwhile, as the report highlights, construction of TSMC’s 1.4nm fab at the Phase 2 site of Central Taiwan Science Park in Taichung is progressing rapidly. Another report from Economic Daily News notes that foundation piling work for the first phase has largely been completed, with bidding for the main plant construction expected to begin soon. The project is reportedly ahead of schedule, with trial production potentially starting as early as 3Q27 and mass production targeted for 2H28.
The report also notes that TSMC’s 1nm process could potentially be introduced at the Central Taiwan site earlier than expected. At present, the 1.4nm node is not included in TSMC’s U.S. investment plans. Once all four fabs at the site enter mass production, the complex is expected to become the world’s largest production base for AI and high performance computing (HPC) chips.
Advanced Packaging Supply Chain Scales Up with TSMC Expansion
As TSMC advances its process upgrades and accelerates development of its 1.4nm fabs, related advanced packaging and supply chain companies are also moving forward with expansion plans. As the report indicates, Siliconware Precision Industries (SPIL), a subsidiary of ASE, has already planned the construction of three new fabs in Southern Taiwan Science Park.
The report notes that in January this year, SPIL acquired Innolux’s Fab 5 facility and related assets in Southern Taiwan Science Park for NT$14.85 billion. Shortly afterward, the company also secured fabs from HannsTouch and HannStar. Within just over a month, SPIL spent nearly NT$32 billion on fab acquisitions, underscoring strong demand for advanced packaging orders and the urgent need for additional capacity expansion.
SPIL was also recently reported to have submitted an expansion application to the Central Taiwan Science Park Administration for its Erlin Park operations. Currently, the company has plans for four fabs in Erlin Park, two of which have already gradually entered production. SPIL has also proposed expansion plans for a fifth fab in Erlin Park, as well as a second fab in the Houli Park area.
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(Photo credit: TSMC)
