Micron’s $1bn Indian chip packaging plant close to approval
A budget of about US$1 billion has been put on a chip assembly, testing, marking and packaging (ATMP) facility that memory maker Micron could soon receive approval for in India.
An Indian government official was quoted saying: “Yes, we are close to approving the proposal,” by India’s Business Standard newspaper.
Reports of a memory chip maker Micron opening an Indian IC packaging facility emerged earlier this year (see Micron close to Indian manufacturing deal, says report) as part of a larger long-term budget for chip manufacturing in India. It has been reported that Micron could be allocated a 300,000 square metre parcel of land between Ahmedabad and Sanand, in the Indian state of Gujurat.
Micron Technology Inc. (Boise, Idaho) would use the facility to package memory ICs from its wafer fabs across the world. A Micron spokesperson had previously responded by saying: “Micron continues to evaluate opportunities for potential future assembly and test project options needed to meet long-term memory demand. We have not made any decisions regarding the timing or scope of any expansion plans.”
Boost for India
The Indian government has introduced a $10 billion incentives program early in 2022 to try an encourage the creation of semiconductor manufacturing in the country (see Report: India plans $10 billion semiconductor subsidy). However, administrative processes are proceeding slowly and concerns have been raised that no major inward investors with semiconductor know-how have yet been persuaded to set up in India.
As such a commitment from Micron – even if it is staying away from wafer processing for now – would be a significant boost for India.
Specialty foundry Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (Migdal Haemek, Israel) is part of consortium that has agreed to create an analog foundry in Mysuru, Karnatika. However, Tower is being acquired by Intel, for which regulatory approval is overdue, creating uncertainty around that plan. Also a fellow consortium member, New Orbit Ventures, has decided to sell its stake in the venture (see Report: Next Orbit to sell stake in Indian wafer fab venture).
Related links and articles:
News articles:
Micron close to Indian manufacturing deal, says report
NXP is urging TSMC, Globalfoundries to set up in India
Report: Next Orbit to sell stake in Indian wafer fab venture
Tata hires former boss of Intel foundry services
MEMS startup is part of Indian entry into chipmaking
Report: India plans $10 billion semiconductor subsidy
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
