TSMC Plans to Ship Legacy 28nm Chip Production Equipment from Taiwan to Germany

• May 9, 2026

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is set to transfer its older 28-nanometer (nm) chip production equipment from Taiwan to Germany. This move is part of TSMC’s broader strategy to expand its manufacturing footprint beyond its home base and to support emerging chip fabrication facilities abroad.

Growing Presence in Germany with ESMC Joint Venture

TSMC is intensifying its presence in Europe through a joint venture known as ESMC. The collaborative effort includes the development of a new fabrication plant, Fab 24, which is currently under construction in Germany. The facility is expected to begin production using mature semiconductor process nodes in the near future.

The deployment of existing, legacy manufacturing equipment to Fab 24 plays a key role in accelerating production capabilities at the new site. As TSMC upgrades and modernizes its semiconductor factories in Taiwan, the replaced machinery is being redirected to Germany to establish and support chip manufacturing at scale.

By allocating older equipment for 28nm chip fabrication in Germany, TSMC aims to streamline its global operations while addressing the demand for semiconductor components manufactured with established process technologies. This approach enables efficient utilization of resources and technological expertise, enhancing both capacity and supply chain resilience in the semiconductor sector.

While expanding its manufacturing reach in the United States and Japan, TSMC is emphasizing Europe as an important region for semiconductor production growth. The ESMC joint venture and the Fab 24 facility represent a significant step toward diversifying manufacturing locations and empowering the European semiconductor ecosystem.

Further details regarding the timeline for full production commencement at Fab 24, as well as specific chip models to be produced, have yet to be disclosed. Nevertheless, the relocation of 28nm production lines reflects TSMC’s commitment to global supply chain diversification amid rising demand for advanced and mature semiconductor technologies.

TSMC is relocating older 28nm chip manufacturing equipment from Taiwan to Germany as part of its global expansion and modernization efforts.