How TSMC quietly turned its supply chain into a 'second fleet'
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TSMC has accelerated efforts to localize its supply chain in recent years, using joint development, joint validation, and long-term partnerships to help Taiwanese equipment, materials, and chemical suppliers enter the advanced semiconductor supply chain. The move is steadily building a more resilient and complete local supply system, with both CoWoS and panel-level advanced packaging (CoPoS) now spawning a "second fleet." Because local companies are closer to manufacturing sites and can be deployed on production lines to help improve processes in real time, they have a natural advantage in joint development efficiency, as the faster pace of 2nm and advanced packaging upgrades means suppliers are no longer just product vendors; they are now co-development partners for new processes. Equipment and materials suppliers step up Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Gongin Precision, and ChenFull Precision have moved into semiconductor equipment manufacturing and precision machining. GPTC, Scientech, and Kinik have built capabilities in wet process, CMP, wafer reclamation, and cleaning equipment. Gudeng has developed product lines for EUV reticle pods, wafer carriers, and advanced packaging carriers. Hiwin Technologies and Hiwin Mikrosystem supply high-precision linear guides, ball screws, and motion control systems. Hanbell covers vacuum equipment. MIC, UIS, L&K Engineering, and Acter have deepened their presence in fab construction projects. Mirle Automation and Symtek Automation Asia have built capabilities in automated material handling and smart logistics systems. Breaking into the global supply chain Through years of joint development and validation with TSMC, Gudeng has escaped pressure from US competitors and has been included in the CoWoS and CoPoS supply chain lists. Recently, Kochin Technology and SynPower signed a technology licensing partnership with US semiconductor equipment maker Brooks Automation. Brooks secured exclusive rights to Kochin's FOUP cleaning equipment technology, and if the equipment is later rolled out globally, Kochin can still collect royalties under the contract. SynPower has introduced AI visual inspection technology into FOUP inspection, and TSMC also helped facilitate the deal. Localizing chemicals and specialty materials TSMC has reportedly not only continued to raise the share of local equipment procurement in recent years, but has also increased the local supply ratio for electronic chemicals and specialty materials. Related suppliers include AEMC, Taiwan Speciality Chemicals, and Chung Hwa Chemical Industrial Works. CoPoS opens the door to new industries CoPoS requires an entirely new supply chain. This wave of supply-chain reorganization is now spreading into the panel, PCB, automation, and broader materials industries. Innolux, Onano Industrial, and AMC are among the companies gradually opening new cooperation opportunities with TSMC. Going global together In recent years, Gudeng, Kinik, Scientech, C Sun, GMM, All Ring Tech, Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, as well as Chang Chun, Sunlit Fluo & Chemical, AEMC, Taiwan Speciality Chemicals, Chung Hwa Chemical Industrial Works, and Daxin Materials, have all actively planned overseas expansion. Fab construction service providers UIS, MIC, L&K Engineering, and Acter have also fully aligned with TSMC's overseas fab expansion plans. Article translated by Charlene Chen and edited by Jerry Chen
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