Renesas Electronics launches operations at newly reopened Kofu factory

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, has proudly announced the commencement of operations at its Kofu Factory in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the company’s production capacity of power semiconductors to meet the anticipated surge in demand, particularly from the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Factory Reopening and Expansion

The Kofu Factory, part of Renesas Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renesas, previously housed 150mm and 200mm wafer fabrication lines before ceasing operations in October 2014. In response to the burgeoning need for power semiconductors and in line with global efforts toward decarbonization, Renesas decided to reopen the factory as a state-of-the-art 300-mm wafer fabrication facility in May 2022. Following a significant investment of 90 billion yen in 2022, the factory has restarted operations, with plans to begin mass production of IGBTs and other power semiconductor products by 2025, effectively doubling Renesas’ current production capabilities.

An opening ceremony was held on April 11 to mark this significant milestone, attended by local government officials and representatives from partner companies. Hidetoshi Shibata, President and CEO of Renesas, expressed gratitude towards the local governments of Yamanashi Prefecture, Kai City, and Showa Town, as well as the construction companies, equipment vendors, outsourcing firms, and other partners involved in the factory’s transformation.

“We are proud to announce a remarkable achievement of the Kofu Factory. After its closure in 2014, the Kofu Factory has gone through a transformation and emerged as a dedicated 300-mm wafer fab for power semiconductors, exactly a decade later,” said Shibata. The revamped factory is set to play a pivotal role in Renesas’ strategy to address the growing global demand for power semiconductors, which are crucial for the efficient use of electricity in technologies such as EVs and artificial intelligence.

The reestablishment of the Kofu Factory by Renesas Electronics Corporation is a forward-thinking initiative that highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. By expanding its production capabilities, Renesas is not only gearing up to meet the increasing demand for semiconductors in modern applications but is also positioning itself as a key player in the global push for a decarbonized society.