Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723) has unveiled its latest endeavor to meet the surging demand for power semiconductors with the inauguration of its Kofu Factory, situated in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The factory, now a dedicated 300-mm wafer fab, represents a strategic maneuver by Renesas to ramp up production capacity in anticipation of the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market.
Previously housing 150mm and 200mm wafer fabrication lines, the Kofu Factory, operated under Renesas Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd, ceased operations in October 2014. However, Renesas made the pivotal decision to revive the facility in May 2022, aligning with the industry’s commitment to fostering a decarbonized society.
With a hefty investment of 90 billion yen in 2022, Renesas has now kickstarted operations, aiming to commence mass production of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) and other power semiconductor products by 2025. This move is expected to double Renesas’ current production capacity for power semiconductors.
The factory’s grand opening ceremony on April 11 saw the presence of local government officials and partner companies, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this milestone. Hidetoshi Shibata, President and CEO of Renesas, expressed pride in the factory’s transformation, acknowledging the crucial role played by stakeholders in the journey towards sustainable semiconductor production.
The Kofu Factory, officially named Renesas Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd, boasts an expansive clean room spanning up to 18,000 square meters. It is poised to manufacture a range of products, including IGBTs, Power MOSFETs, and other power-related components.
Renesas anticipates that the power semiconductors churned out from the Kofu Factory will play a pivotal role in optimizing electricity usage, particularly as the adoption of EVs and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) continue to surge.
