While the factory was closed in October 2014, Renesas said that it intends to reopen the fab in 2024 as a 300-mm wafer fab capable of manufacturing power semiconductors.
The move comes in response to increased demand for highly efficient power semiconductors, which supply and manage electricity, and which is expected to dramatically increase globally over the years.
Renesas said that it anticipates rapid growth in demand for electric vehicles (EVs), and therefore plans to enhance its production capacity for power semiconductors such as IGBTs, in order to contribute toward decarbonization. Once the Kofu Factory reaches its mass production, the total production capacity of Renesas’ power semiconductors will double.
The Kofu factory of Renesas Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Renesas, previously operated both 150mm and 200mm wafer fabrication lines. To boost its production capacity, Renesas has decided to utilise a remaining building of the factory and revive it as a 300mm wafer fab dedicated to power semiconductors.
“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,” said Hidetoshi Shibata, President and CEO of Renesas. “This investment enables us to have our largest wafer fabrication line dedicated to power semiconductors, which are key to realising decarbonisation. 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.”
