Canon To Build A $345M Chipmaking Factory In Japan

It seems the long ongoing chip supply issues might have convinced Canon to build their own chipmaking plant.

Nikkei Asia reports that Canon is planing to build a chipmaking factory worth $345 million.

Canon will build a new semiconductor equipment plant in eastern Japan, Nikkei has learned, as the company mirrors big investments by chipmakers in the U.S., South Korea and Taiwan.

The new plant will be built in Tochigi prefecture and begin operating in the spring of 2025. The investment will total more than 50 billion yen ($345 million), including construction costs and installation of production equipment. The company aims to double its current capacity.

Canon plans to raise production of lithography equipment, which is part of the key process of etching circuits in semiconductors. The company will also consider producing next-generation systems capable of creating cutting-edge fine circuits at low cost.

Canon currently makes similar equipment at two factories in Japan. The equipment is used to produce chips for applications such as automotive control systems.

The new plant will be built on a vacant lot measuring around 70,000 sq. meters on the grounds of an existing plant. It is to be the first new plant for lithography equipment built by Canon in 21 years. Construction will begin in 2023.

Well, I guess it is better not to depend by others for stuff you need for your own production.