Renesas will invest $700m for chip production and restart the operation of the Kofu Factory.
Renesas Electronics Corporation, a Japanese supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced on Tuesday that it would invest 90 billion yen ($700 million) to increase the production of power semiconductors as the demand for EVs increases.
The Kofu factory was shut down last 2014. It previously operated both 150mm and 200mm wafer fabrication lines. Renesas aims to open the factory in 2024 as a 300-mm wafer fab capable of manufacturing power semiconductors. Once the factory becomes fully operational, the company expects a double production capacity.
“Sustainability is at our heart, and with ‘To Make Our Lives Easier’ as our Purpose, we want to build a sustainable future where our semiconductor technology and solutions help make our lives easier,” Hidetoshi Shibata, President, and CEO of Renesas, said in its press release.
He added, “This investment enables us to have our largest wafer fabrication line dedicated to power semiconductors, which are key to realizing decarbonization. We will continue to conduct necessary investments to enhance our in-house production capability while further strengthening ties with outsource partners. To address the mid to longer-term demand growth, Renesas remains committed to ensuring security of supply in order to provide our customers with the best possible support.”
The Kofu factory is located in Kai City, in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, with a size of 18,000 square meters.
