Tower Semiconductor Sets $3bn Japan Expansion For 300mm Chip Lines
Tech Monitor reported that Tower Semiconductor plans a $3bn Japan manufacturing expansion backed by $1bn in Japanese government grants. The plan covers 300mm silicon photonics, SiGe and advanced packaging capacity, but the second facility still depends on related agreements.
Tower Semiconductor is planning a $3bn expansion of its 300mm chip manufacturing capacity in Japan, with Tech Monitor reporting that the project is supported by $1bn in Japanese government grants.
The Israeli chipmaker's plan covers silicon photonics, silicon germanium and advanced packaging work at two Japanese sites.
The two-track plan converts the former Panasonic Semiconductor Arai site and adds a planned 300mm facility next to Fab 7 in Uozu.
Arai Facility Adds 300mm Silicon Photonics Capacity
The former Panasonic Arai plant, previously known as Fab 6, will be dedicated to silicon photonics manufacturing.
The article said Tower Semiconductor expects the Arai operations to be fully ready for production in the fourth quarter of 2027.
According to Tower Semiconductor, the first phase will add 300mm silicon photonics capacity and advanced packaging.
The company also expects the Arai work to maximise 300mm output at Fab 7 in Uozu.
Tower Semiconductor said the first-track growth outlook supports a 2028 target of $3.6bn in revenue and $1.2bn in net profit.
Uozu Facility Depends On Signed Agreements
The second track would build an additional 300mm facility next to Fab 7 in Uozu.
The report said the site is subject to the signing and closing of related agreements, leaving the second phase less final than the Arai conversion.
The planned Uozu facility would increase silicon photonics and silicon germanium production capacity.
Tower Semiconductor described the capacity target as a response to demand from artificial intelligence, optical communications and data-centre customers.
Recruitment And Local Supply Work Are Included
Tower Semiconductor said the expansion is intended to strengthen Japan's semiconductor supply chain and regional infrastructure.
The company also listed collaboration with Toyama and Niigata Prefectures, local suppliers, businesses, universities and research institutions.
The article said Tower Semiconductor plans recruitment and training for engineering and manufacturing positions at the new and existing facilities.
Tech Monitor also noted that GlobalFoundries filed multiple patent infringement lawsuits against Tower Semiconductor in the US in March 2026.
Tech Monitor did not report signed customer commitments for the second Uozu facility.
