TSMC Delays Production Start at Arizona Fab to 2025

Chairman Mark Liu announced yesterday that TSMC has decided to postpone the start of production at its Arizona fab from 2024 to 2025. The delay is primarily due to a shortage of skilled technicians required for the semiconductor-grade facility.

Liu explained, "We are currently facing challenges due to a lack of skilled workers with the specific expertise needed for equipment installation in a semiconductor-grade facility. While we are actively addressing this issue, including temporarily assigning experienced technicians from Taiwan to train local skilled workers, we anticipate that the production schedule for N4 process technology will be extended to 2025.

Initially, Fab 21 was scheduled to begin production in early 2024 and was designed to operate at a capacity of 20k wafers per month.

Earlier reports suggested that TSMC was sending 500 employees from Taiwan to Arizona to assist in launching the fab. However, it appears that this workforce is proving to be insufficient. TSMC has also expressed concerns about the work ethic of American workers, stating that they do not work diligently enough.

TSMC is committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring the successful establishment of the Arizona fab, but the revised timeline reflects the need for additional skilled workers and training efforts.