TSMC to cease CIGS manufacturing operations
TSMC has announced that its subsidiary TSMC Solar will cease manufacturing operations at the end of August 2015 as TSMC believes that its solar business is no longer economically sustainable.
"TSMC continues to believe that solar power is an important source of green energy and that solar module manufacturing remains a robust and growing industry, but despite six years of hard work we have not found a way to make a sustainable profit," said Steve Tso, chairman of TSMC Solar and senior VP of TSMC. "Upon ceasing manufacturing operations at TSMC Solar, our most important concern will be the continued employment of our workers there."
TSMC estimates that charges related to closing the solar subsidiary's fab will impact third-quarter 2015 earnings per share by NT$0.07. Remaining solar panel inventory will be installed at TSMC buildings and facilities.
