Infineon Technologies, a global leader in semiconductor solutions, continues to strengthen its manufacturing footprint with the expansion of its operations in Kulim, Malaysia, and a new strategic partnership in Porto, Portugal. These developments are part of Infineon’s broader strategy to meet the growing demand for power semiconductors, particularly those based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) technologies.

In August 2024, Infineon’s third wafer fab in Kulim, Malaysia, will celebrate its grand opening. The new facility, specifically designed for the production of SiC products, is expected to commence operations by the end of the year. This marks a significant milestone for Infineon, which initially announced the project in February 2022 with an investment exceeding €2 billion. Once fully operational, the Kulim fab is projected to generate annual revenues of €2 billion for the company.

In August 2023, Infineon took a bold step by announcing a substantial expansion of the Kulim fab beyond the original plans. The company is now constructing the world’s largest 200mm SiC power wafer fab at this site. Over the next five years, Infineon plans to invest an additional €5 billion into the second phase of the Kulim facility, bringing the total investment in the site to €7 billion. This expansion underscores Infineon’s commitment to scaling up its production capacity to meet the increasing global demand for SiC power semiconductors, which are crucial for applications such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and industrial power control.

In April 2024, Infineon entered into a strategic partnership with Amkor Technology, a global leader in semiconductor packaging and testing. The agreement outlines plans to establish a new packaging and testing center in Porto, Portugal, expected to begin operations in the first half of 2025. This new facility will focus on semiconductor packaging, assembly, and testing, with future plans to expand and incorporate state-of-the-art cleanroom production lines.

Under this partnership, Amkor will manage the packaging and testing operations, while Infineon will provide product design and R&D support. Infineon already has a significant presence in Porto, with a large service center employing over 600 people. The new facility will further enhance Infineon’s capabilities in Europe, particularly in the critical areas of advanced packaging and testing for power semiconductors.

Infineon’s recent expansions and strategic partnerships are indicative of the company’s proactive approach to securing its position in the rapidly evolving semiconductor market. The significant investment in the Kulim fab and the collaboration with Amkor in Porto are expected to bolster Infineon’s ability to meet the growing global demand for high-performance power semiconductors.

As the semiconductor industry continues to innovate, particularly in areas like electric mobility and renewable energy, Infineon’s investments are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of these technologies. The company’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities and enhancing its technological prowess positions it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the semiconductor landscape.