Infineon Technologies AG has officially opened the first phase of a new fab in Malaysia. Accordingly, this new site in Kulim will rise as the world’s largest and most competitive 200mm SiC power semiconductor fab.

The company held an opening program to symbolically launch production. Most importantly, Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister of the state of Kedah YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Haji Mohd Nor joined Infineon CEO Jochen Hanebeck in the event.

Most Efficient, High-Tech SiC Production

The highly efficient 200mm SiC power fab will strengthen Infineon’s role as the global leader in power semiconductors. The first phase of the fab, with an investment volume of two billion euros, will focus on the production of SiC power semiconductors and will include gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxy.

SiC semiconductors have revolutionized high-power applications. Specifically, they switch electricity even more efficiently and enable even smaller designs. Moreover, SiC semiconductors increase efficiency in electric vehicles, fast charging stations, and trains. Furthermore, they also suit renewable energy systems and AI data centers.

The first phase of the site alone will generate 900 high-value jobs. Meanwhile, the second phase, with an investment of up to five billion euros, will create the world’s largest and most efficient 200mm SiC power fab. Overall, the two phases, once finished, will generate 4,000 jobs.

In a speech during the ceremony, Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Technologies said, “Our technology increases the energy efficiency of ubiquitous applications such as electric cars, solar and wind power systems and AI data centers. We are therefore investing in the largest and most efficient high-tech SiC production facility in Malaysia, backed by strong customer commitments.”

Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Infineon’s project reinforces Malaysia’s position as a rising major global semiconductor hub. Specifically, Ibrahim said in his speech, “This major investment will support Malaysia’s efforts to protect our climate by boosting electrification and increasing the efficiency of many applications. This includes electric cars and renewable energy. Thus, technology made in Malaysia will become a central part of global decarbonization efforts in the future.”

Complementing Roles of Global Sites

Infineon has secured design wins with a total value of approximately five billion euros. Moreover, it has received approximately one billion euros in prepayments from existing and new customers for the ongoing expansion of the Kulim 3 fab. Notably, these design wins include six OEMs in the automotive sector as well as customers in the renewable energy and industrial segments.

Kulim 3 will work closely with the Infineon site in Villach, Austria, Infineon’s global competence center for power semiconductors. Infineon already increased capacity for SiC and GaN power semiconductors in Villach in 2023. As “One Virtual Fab” for wide-bandgap technologies, both manufacturing sites now share technologies and processes. Therefore, allowin for fast ramping and smooth and highly efficient operation. The project also offers a high grade of resilience and flexibility, which will ultimately benefit Infineon’s customers.

In addition, the expansion will benefit from the excellent economies of scale already achieved for 200mm manufacturing in Kulim. It will complement Infineon’s leading position in silicon, based on 300mm manufacturing in Villach and Dresden. Thus, Infineon is strengthening its technological leadership across the entire spectrum of power semiconductors, in silicon as well as SiC and GaN.

In addition, the investment in wide-bandgap capacity in Kulim strengthens the local ecosystem and proves that Infineon is a reliable partner within the growing semiconductor hub Malaysia.

Infineon’s operations in Malaysia started as early as 1973 in Melaka. In 2006, the company opened Asia’s first frontend fab in Kulim. Currently, Infineon employs more than 16.000 highly skilled people in Malaysia.

08 August 2024