According to the reports, after TSMC, the largest chip foundry company, canceled the 12-inch foundry discount in 2021, the tight situation of chip foundry capacity has been extended from 8-inch fabs to 12-inch fabs. There are also foundries planning to expand the production capacity of 12-inch wafer foundries.
It is reported that UMC (United Microelectronics) seeks to expand the wafer foundry production which currently has four 12-inch wafer foundries under its umbrella.
As per the information, the board of directors of UMC has authorized the implementation of a capital expenditure plan of 28.656 billion Taiwan dollars, equivalent to 1.017 billion U.S. dollars, to expand production capacity.
In the report, the English media pointed out that the nearly US$1.02 billion capital expenditure authorized by the board of directors of UMC will be used to optimize the production capacity of a 12-inch wafer fab, especially the production capacity of the 28nm process.
Judging from reports, UMC has previously disclosed plans to increase 28nm process capacity. At the investor meeting at the end of October, UMC also stated that they will continue to increase 28nm process production.
(Source)
