Bosch completed the acquisition of assets of the U.S. chipmaker TSI Semiconductors Corporation based in Roseville, California on August 31. Accordingly, the new company is called Robert Bosch Semiconductor LLC.

In April 2023, Bosch announced its intention to acquire certain assets of TSI Semiconductors. With this acquisition, Bosch is establishing significant manufacturing capacity in an important market. Starting in 2026, the first chips will be produced on 200-mm wafers based on silicon carbide (SiC) material. Mainly, Bosch plans to invest some US$1.5 billion to transform the Roseville site into a facility that produces and tests SiC semiconductors, as key building blocks for electric vehicles.

“We are systematically reinforcing our global portfolio of SiC chips to advance electromobility,” said Michael Budde, President Bosch Automotive Electronics. “In electric vehicles, SiC chips enable greater range and more efficient recharging, as they use up to 50 percent less energy. The investment clearly shows our commitment in this strategically important field.”

“By extending our semiconductor operations, we are strengthening our local presence in an important market for high-efficiency electronic solutions,” said Paul Thomas. Thomas will assume the role of president for Americas for Bosch Mobility beginning January 2024. “The location in Roseville will reinforce the Bosch semiconductor business and expand our international semiconductor manufacturing network.”

Mainly, the approximately 250 local associates in Roseville are now part of the global Bosch family. Specifically, the Roseville location has extensive experience in the design and production of semiconductors for automotive and industrial applications for nearly 40 years. Also, production will be built up gradually, thus anticipating the Roseville location to grow.

Thorsten Scheer is heading the new organization as plant manager in Roseville and regional president of the Bosch Automotive Electronics division in North America. In this role, he integrates the Roseville site into Bosch’s international semiconductor manufacturing network. Also, he manages the transformation of the plant into a production facility for SiC chips. Here, Scheer builds on his broad experience in various leadership positions for Bosch in Germany, Hungary, and the U.S. Also, he banks on his expertise in post-merger integration. Mainly, Scheer is a semiconductor industry specialist with 10 years of professional experience in the sensor business. He is a physicist and holds a doctorate in economics.

“The semiconductor experts in Roseville and the existing clean-room facilities will allow us to manufacture SiC chips for electromobility on an even larger scale,” said Scheer. “This is an amazing opportunity to be at the forefront of one of the most exciting developments in the technology sector, together with a dedicated and experienced team.”

Systematic Investments in Pivotal Semiconductor Technology

Over the next years, Bosch intends to invest more than US$1.5 billion in the Roseville site. Specifically, it plans to upgrade the manufacturing facilities to state-of-the-art processes. Also, the full scope of the planned investment will be heavily dependent on federal funding opportunities. Specifically, Bosch intends to apply for federal funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. Already, the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz) approved a US$25 million California Competes Tax Credit incentive. Particularly, the incentive will support redevelopment and investment in Roseville.

“Bosch looks forward to a strong, long-term partnership with the City of Roseville, Placer County and the State of California,” Scheer said.