October 29, 2001 – Tainan, Taiwan – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has announced a new NT$700 billion (US$20 billion) expansion plan, which includes six new 300mm fabs in Taiwan.

TSMC Chairman Morris Chang said that as long as corporate enterprise and the government continue to work together, Taiwan will maintain its competitive edge, the Taipei Times reported.

He called the investment plans proof of the country’s competitiveness and urged other firms to follow TSMC’s example by maintaining the core of their manufacturing, design and R&D operations in Taiwan while expanding worldwide.

“TSMC is determined to construct fabs in China and other major markets around the world,” Chang said. “Taiwan, where TSMC was founded, will remain a vital base for TSMC’s future investments.”

The NT$700 billion TSMC plans to spend will go toward the construction of six new semiconductor fabs in Tainan and Hsinchu, all of which will produce 300mm wafers.