TSMC starts building led fab

"To further strengthen long term growth in TSMC's revenues and profits, we not only continue to pursue excellence in the field of dedicated IC foundry, we are also developing new businesses, such as led lighting and solar power," said TSMC chairman and ceo Dr Morris Chang. The led fab will be built in two phases. Investment in plant and equipment for the first phase is expected to reach NT$5.5billion, with equipment scheduled to be installed by the end of 2010. Volume production is expected in the first quarter of 2011. TSMC will make decisions on construction of the second phase depending on future business needs. "LED lighting is a promising industry and we will make full use of TSMC's technology leadership and manufacturing excellence in semiconductors to develop and integrate led technology, process and packaging and testing," said Dr Rick Tsai, TSMC's president of new businesses. "We will enter the market next year by offering led light sources and light engines to pursue the broad business opportunities of the led lighting industry."