Rohm's First Japan SiC Wafer Production in 2024

Rohm Semiconductor, a leading player in the semiconductor industry, has announced its strategic move to augment silicon carbide (SiC) wafer production capacity by establishing its first SiC wafer manufacturing facility in Japan, slated for 2024. The disclosure was made during a significant development update by Rohm Corporation's President, Isao Matsumoto, in the November 2023 financial report conference.

This forthcoming facility will house an advanced 8-inch (200mm) SiC wafer production line, strategically located in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. Initially catering primarily to Rohm's in-house requirements, the production line is anticipated to commence operations in 2024.

The Miyazaki second factory, previously under the ownership of Solar Frontier, a subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., is set to be acquired by Rohm in an imminent transaction. Once transformed into Rohm's second Miyazaki-based facility, it will emerge as the largest silicon carbide power semiconductor production center within the Rohm corporation's expansive network, specialized in the production of 8-inch wafers.

Currently, Rohm operates four silicon carbide-based power semiconductor production hubs across Japan, with facilities based in its Kyoto headquarters, Chikugo Plant in Fukuoka Prefecture, Nagisa Plant, and the first factory in Miyazaki. The company's ambitious objective is to achieve a silicon carbide power semiconductor revenue of 100 billion yen by the 2025 fiscal year, concurrently expanding production capacity to a staggering sixfold increase compared to the 2021 fiscal year.

Notably, Rohm's foray into silicon carbide wafers dates back to its acquisition of the esteemed German silicon carbide wafer manufacturer, SiCrystal, in 2009. This acquisition led to the production of silicon carbide wafers at Rohm's Nuremberg, Germany facility. In a proactive approach to maintain business continuity, ensure a robust and dependable supply chain, and bolster production capacity, Rohm has taken the strategic decision to establish an additional silicon carbide wafer production line within Japan. This development solidifies Japan's position as the second production base for Rohm's silicon carbide wafers.