Apple Supplier TSMC Delays Production of 4nm Chips at Arizona Factory Due to Skilled Worker Shortage

Apple supplier TSMC has been working on building a chip manufacturing plant in Arizona where it plans to manufacture chips for Apple, but mass production is set to be delayed because of a worker shortage.

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According to The Wall Street Journal, TSMC is finding it difficult to hire people with expertise in building semiconductor factories in the United States. TSMC may have to bring in experienced technicians temporarily from Taiwan, which would delay production of the first 4nm chips until 2025.

"We are now entering a critical phase of handling and installing the most advanced and dedicated equipment. However, we are encountering certain challenges," said TSMC Chairman Mark Liu.

Reports in November suggested that TSMC would use its Arizona plant to begin manufacturing 4-nanometer chips for Apple as soon as it opened in 2024. Apple and other suppliers are eager to be able to source chips from the United States, so the manufacturing delay could potentially impact Apple's 2024 device plans.

After manufacturing 4-nanometer chips, TSMC plans to build an adjacent facility that will produce more advanced 3-nanometer chips for Apple. Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 models and its future M3-series chips are expected to be built on TSMC's 3-nanometer node, but initial chips will come from Taiwan factories.

Tag: TSMC

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Top Rated Comments

Mr. Dee Avatar
26 months ago
What did you expect from a consumption society? The hires they already have probably called in sick to go watch Barbie/Oppenheimer double feature.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iObama Avatar
26 months ago
Then pay them well.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tekchic Avatar
26 months ago
This is not due to a lack of skilled workers. That area in particular in AZ has Honeywell, Motorola, Intel, etc. TSMC has two things I've heard through the Phoenix watercooler: 1) They won't pay as well as the guys mentioned above, 2) The culture of TSMC is party line... no questions, work hard (overwork), etc.

That doesn't fly so well with a US engineering workforce.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SW3029 Avatar
26 months ago
THIS is the problem with manufacturing in America. It's not that Americans get higher wages, it's that a large enough number of Americans don't have the skills needed by today's high-tech manufacturers. Companies have no choice but to turn to Asia and India. America is so behind the rest of the world it's not even funny.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Fan 2008 Avatar
26 months ago
I'm glad to hear more that U.S manufacturing is coming. I hope it works out.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GMShadow Avatar
26 months ago
Reportedly, some of the issue is that Intel (which also has tons of fabs/expansion in the area) pays better, and has better hours.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)