United Microelectronics Corp (UMC), Taiwan’s second-largest pure-play wafer foundry, marked a milestone yesterday with the arrival of the first equipment tools for its Phase 3 expansion at Fab12i in Singapore. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Jurong Town Council (JTC), the Institute of Microelectronics (IME), construction partners, and key equipment and material vendors.
UMC announced its US$5 billion investment in Fab12i Phase 3 (Fab12i P3) in February 2022, positioning the facility as one of Singapore’s most advanced semiconductor fabs. The expansion will focus on 22nm and 28nm processes, catering to the growing demand for chips in 5G, automotive, and IoT applications.
Construction of the new 12-inch wafer facility is on track for completion by mid-2023. However, while mass production was initially slated for mid-2024, UMC has adjusted its timeline to early 2026 due to client order adjustments.
UMC has operated semiconductor foundries in Singapore for over two decades, utilizing Fab12i as a research and development hub for advanced specialty technologies. The company’s first-quarter net profit reached NT$10.46 billion (US$324 million), a 20% decline from the previous quarter attributed to seasonal factors. Despite this, UMC anticipates growth momentum in the second quarter, driven by inventory normalization in PCs, consumer electronics, and communication devices. The company forecasts a 1-3% increase in shipments compared to the first quarter.
The arrival of equipment for Fab12i P3 signifies UMC’s commitment to expanding its production capacity in Singapore and meeting the increasing demand for advanced semiconductor technologies. The delayed mass production timeline reflects the dynamic nature of the semiconductor industry and the company’s responsiveness to client needs.
