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TSMC Reinforces Commitment to Taiwan with New Domestic Fab Amid Global Expansion

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reaffirmed its dedication to its home base with the opening of a new chip manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The factory, which will produce the company’s most advanced chips using 2nm technology, is expected to create 7,000 tech jobs on the island. This announcement comes amid concerns that TSMC’s significant investment in the United States could dilute its domestic presence.

TSMC’s executive vice president, Y.P. Chyn, made the remarks during a ceremony at the new fab, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to Taiwan even as it expands globally. The new facility is slated to begin volume production of 2nm wafers in the latter half of this year, according to the company’s schedule.

Despite its $100 billion investment plan in the U.S., TSMC and the Taiwanese government have both emphasized that a substantial portion of the company’s production will remain in Taiwan. TSMC, often called Taiwan’s “sacred mountain protecting the country,” plays a pivotal role in Taiwan’s economy, and the company’s officials reassured that Taiwan will continue to be at the heart of its operations.

While Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai expressed gratitude for TSMC’s assurances, noting that the company will always remain a “national team,” the company has also made clear that it intends to meet the growing demand of global customers, which has driven its expansion.

TSMC’s growing presence in the U.S. follows pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Taiwan’s semiconductor dominance and called for more manufacturing to return to the U.S. The concerns over potential tariff impositions highlight the delicate balance TSMC must strike as it manages its global footprint while maintaining its critical role in Taiwan’s economy.

Intel Announces Board Reshuffle Amid Turnaround Efforts

Intel has announced that three board members—Omar Ishrak, Tsu-Jae King Liu, and Risa Lavizzo-Mourey—will not stand for reelection at the company’s 2025 annual meeting, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday. This move is part of Intel’s ongoing board restructuring to align with its renewed focus on the semiconductor industry under newly appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan.

The changes will reduce the board’s size to 11 members. Meanwhile, Intel has already bolstered its leadership with industry veterans Eric Meurice, former CEO of ASML, and Steve Sanghi, interim CEO of Microchip Technology, who joined in December. These appointments mark a shift away from Intel’s previous board composition, which included leaders from academia, finance, and healthcare.

In a letter to shareholders, Tan emphasized his commitment to Intel’s turnaround strategy, focusing on both product innovation and contract chip manufacturing. His appointment follows the departure of former CEO Pat Gelsinger, whose severance package was approximately $7.9 million.

Wolfspeed Appoints Robert Feurle as CEO Amid Industry Challenges

Chipmaker Wolfspeed (WOLF.N) has named Robert Feurle as its new CEO, effective May 1, replacing interim chief Thomas Werner, who will resume his role as chairman. Feurle, a seasoned semiconductor executive, previously held key positions at Micron Technology, Infineon Technologies, and ams-OSRAM AG.

The leadership change follows the board’s decision to oust former CEO Gregg Lowe in November without cause. Wolfspeed has been restructuring its operations, including facility closures, to improve profitability amid slowing demand from automotive, industrial, and energy markets.

Feurle expressed confidence in revitalizing the company’s operating plan and accelerating its path to positive free cash flow. Wolfspeed continues to focus on silicon carbide technology, with significant investment in a 200-millimeter silicon carbide fab to enhance efficiency and production capacity.

Despite the announcement, Wolfspeed’s shares fell about 2% in early trading.