Renesas to re-open Kofu Factory as 300mm Power Semis fab
Revived facility will boost production capacity in response to growing demand for EVs
Renesas Electronics will invest 90-billion-yen (around $700 million) to re-open its Kofu Factory, located in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The factory, which was closed in October 2014, will become a 300mm facility for power semiconductors.
As the momentum for carbon neutrality grows, demand for highly efficient power semiconductors, which supply and manage electricity, is expected to dramatically increase globally over the years. Renesas especially anticipates rapid growth in demand for electric vehicles (EVs), and therefore plans to enhance its production capacity for power semiconductors such as IGBTs, in order to contribute toward decarbonisisation. Once the Kofu Factory reaches its mass production, the total production capacity of Renesas’ power semiconductors will double.
“Sustainability is at our heart and with ‘To Make Our Lives Easier’ as our Purpose, we want to build a sustainable future where our semiconductor technology and solutions help make our lives easier,” said Hidetoshi Shibata, President and CEO of Renesas. “This investment enables us to have our largest wafer fabrication line dedicated to power semiconductors, which are key to realising decarbonisation. We will continue to conduct necessary investments to enhance our in-house production capability while further strengthening ties with outsource partners. To address the mid to longer term demand growth, Renesas remains committed to ensuring security of supply in order to provide our customers with the best possible support.”
With the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Strategy for Semiconductors in consideration, Renesas plans to conduct its investment within the year of 2022, while closely coordinating with the Ministry.
