Fab 18 is TSMC's fourth 12-inch chip factory in Taiwan, and it is expected to produce chips using 5-nm processes in the future. According to TSMC's current plans, the first phase of construction and installation on their Fab 18 factory is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2019 and mass production is scheduled to begin at the beginning of 2020.

Groundbreaking will begin on the second phase of construction in the third quarter of 2018, and mass production is anticipated to begin in 2020. However, the third phase of construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019 with mass production slated to commence in 2021. TSMC pointed out that in 2022 all three phases of the factory will be engaged in mass production with yearly production capacity of the new Southern Taiwan Science Park exceeding one million 12-inch chips; furthermore, the new factory will create four thousand employment opportunities.

TSMC CEO Morris Chang also stated that in addition to keeping the 5-nm factory in Southern Taiwan Science Park, TSMC is also considering establishing a 3-nm factory in Southern Taiwan Science Park in the future.

When the time comes and TSMC establishes their 3-nm plant there, Southern Taiwan Science Park will become the world's most advanced semiconductor production site.

On the other hand, TSMC is also in the process of actively promoting Taiwan's AI chip industry and plan to invest NT$4 billion in funding between 2018 and 2021 to promote research and development related to AI terminal semiconductor manufacturing processes and chip systems. Furthermore, the commencement of construction on TSMC's 5-nm factory will play a key role in keeping up with Ministry of Science and Technology's (MOST) development schedule.

(TR/ Phil Sweeney)