Renesas Electronics said it had started operations at its Kofu factory, in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan to boost capacity for power semiconductors "in anticipation of the growing demand in electric vehicles (EVs)".
Kofu previously operated both 150mm and 200mm wafer fabrication lines under Renesas Semiconductor Manufacturing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renesas, but ceased operations in October 2014.
The supplier decided to re-open the factory in May 2022 as a 300mm wafer fab to support the growing demand for power semiconductors. After JPY90bn of investment in 2022, its has now started operations.
The factory will start mass production of IGBTs and other products in 2025, doubling current capacity for power semiconductors.
Hidetoshi Shibata, president and CEO of Renesas, said: “The power semiconductors produced at the Kofu factory will help maximise the effective use of electricity which will be in significant demand as EVs and AI continue to proliferate and advance.”
