GlobalWafers is the world's third-largest supplier of semiconductor silicon wafers and is headquartered in Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan Province, China. The company recently announced that its subsidiaries, GlobalWafers America (GWA) and MEMC LLC, have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with the United States Department of Commerce to receive up to $400 million in direct grants under the CHIPS and Science Act.
The funds will be used to build projects in Sherman, Texas, and St. Peters, Missouri. Peters, Missouri) to build a state-of-the-art silicon wafer fabrication facility. Xu Xiulan, chairman of Universal Wafers, said that United States has the world's top IC design, IDM, brand and system companies, but has long lacked silicon wafer factories. This factory construction plan will help complete the semiconductor supply chain in United States, which is unique and indispensable. Universal Wafers plans to produce the world's most advanced 12-inch silicon wafers in the United States. The company is committed to developing diverse next-generation wafer technologies in the United States to support its economy and resilience, including a research and development center in Sherman and the only 12-inch advanced SOI wafer manufacturing facility in the United States in St. Peters.
Pictured: GlobaWafers will produce advanced wafers in the United States
In addition to wafer production, Universal Wafers plans to convert a portion of its existing silicon epitaxial wafer fabrication facility in Sherman, Texas, to silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial wafer fabrication to produce 150mm and 200mm SiC epitaxial wafers. SiC epitaxial wafers are a key component in high-voltage applications, especially in electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure. Xu Xiulan said that the company has overcome the technical difficulties of mass production of SiC wafers, and is expected to start shipping 8-inch SiC products in small batches in the fourth quarter of 2024, accounting for more than 6-inch wafers by 2026.
Universal Wafer's plan to build a factory in the United States has received strong support from the United States government. United States Commerce Secretary Gina ·Raimondo said it was a key component of its "United States for Investment" agenda, which aims to usher in a new era of United States semiconductor manufacturing, bringing revitalized domestic supply chains, good-paying jobs and investment in the industries of the future. She stressed that the Biden administration is restoring United States' leadership in the entire semiconductor supply chain through such investments, ensuring supply chain security, reducing costs, and improving the economic and national security of United States.
It is reported that the $400 million subsidy received by Universal Wafer will be issued in phases and will only be fully obtained after a series of milestones have been reached. In addition, the company plans to apply for up to 25% advanced manufacturing investment tax credit from the United States Treasury Department to further reduce costs and improve return on investment.
