TSMC Arizona: Driving Semiconductor Innovation in North Phoenix
Empowering Global Innovation from North Phoenix
As a resident of North Phoenix, you undoubtedly have run across some news about TSMC Arizona. Despite what sometimes seems like constant headlines, many people in our community know only a little about our company. Consider this a reintroduction.
Plans for TSMC Arizona were first announced in 2020, and we broke ground in North Phoenix in 2021. We are part of a thriving industry that is fueling our state and nation’s semiconductor growth with a planned $165 billion investment, the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.
Since our founding in Hsinchu, Taiwan, in 1987, TSMC has become the world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry, pioneering the pure-play foundry business model. “Pure play” means that TSMC exclusively manufactures chips designed by other companies (fabless firms like Apple, Nvidia, Qualcomm) without designing or selling its own branded chips, ensuring it never competes with its customers. Today, chips made by TSMC power more than 12,000 products — from smartphones and electric vehicles to AI systems and aerospace technologies.
Our work is all about innovation, not only to drive a dynamic industry, but also to build the workforce of the future.
Workforce Development in Arizona
In Arizona, we are proud to employ more than 3,000 of the brightest minds in high-value, good-paying jobs, and we have plans to double the size of our team at our first three fabs in Phoenix by the end of the decade.
We’ll do this by investing in advanced manufacturing training programs for our existing team and working alongside community colleges and universities here and throughout the nation to create new pathways into the industry and TSMC Arizona. This includes a technician apprenticeship program with on-site training and associate’s degrees for high school graduates.
Sustainability and Water Management
Meeting the demand for next-generation technologies requires us to think ahead.
For example, we must consider the water needs in our community. Today, we recycle 65% of the water we use, but we have plans to improve this number. That’s why, last August, we broke ground on a 15-acre Industrial Reclamation Water Plant (IRWP), marking a significant advancement in semiconductor manufacturing water conservation.
This IRWP will allow us to return water back to an ultrapure state for use in the highly sensitive semiconductor-making process. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the facility will enable our company to recycle 90% or more of its water usage, which significantly reduces what we require from the City of Phoenix in our chipmaking operation.
Expanding U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturing Capacity
Earlier this year, TSMC announced plans to invest an additional $100 billion beyond our initial $65 billion investment to expand our U.S.-based advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
This additional $100 billion will support:
1) Three additional advanced chip fabs
2) Two advanced packaging facilities
3) An R&D center
Not only does this support TSMC’s American customers, it also is a significant contribution to the United States’ goals for national security and AI leadership.
NorthPark Development and Land Expansion
To support this future expansion, TSMC Arizona needs additional land. This month, TSMC Arizona was the successful bidder on 900 acres of land directly across the 303 Loop from our current site. This land is within a proposed expansion called NorthPark, a mixed-use, master-planned community.
NorthPark stands out for its historic donation of 2,000 acres of preserved land back to the City of Phoenix. This preserve will be featured alongside a variety of residential, retail, business, and education infrastructure.
Community Engagement in North Phoenix
Aside from the investment, facilities, and good-paying jobs, TSMC Arizona has another top priority: to be a good neighbor.
Since our arrival more than two years ago, we have looked for ways to integrate our team into North Phoenix, working alongside education, business, and other partners.
At the same time, we are lifting up our community by:
- Distributing nutritious fruits and vegetables through Borderlands Produce Rescue
- Lending a hand to women seeking career opportunities through Fresh Start Women’s Foundation
- Helping Desert Sky Middle School in the Deer Valley Unified School District expand its popular Career Action Lab, which uses technology to help students explore career opportunities
TSMC Arizona’s Role in the Community
This is TSMC Arizona. Yes, we are a semiconductor company. But more than that, we endeavor to be an integral part of North Phoenix.
Christine Dotts
(Head of Public Relations, TSMC Arizona)
Common Questions About TSMC Arizona
The “pure-play” foundry model, pioneered by TSMC, means the company exclusively manufactures semiconductors designed by other firms (like Apple and Nvidia). TSMC does not design or sell its own branded chips. This ensures the company never competes with its customers, allowing for a neutral, collaborative manufacturing environment for over 12,000 different products.
- Benefit: Neutrality and non-competition with clients.
- Major Clients: Apple, Nvidia, Qualcomm.
- Impact: Powers AI, EVs, smartphones, and aerospace.
TSMC Arizona currently employs over 3,000 professionals in North Phoenix and plans to double its workforce to 6,000+ high-value, good-paying jobs by 2030. To support this growth, the company has launched technician apprenticeship programs and partnerships with local community colleges to create career pathways for high school and college graduates.
- Current Employees: 3,000+.
- 2030 Goal: 6,000+ employees.
- Focus: High-value manufacturing and engineering roles.
Plans for TSMC Arizona were announced in 2020, and construction began in North Phoenix in 2021.
TSMC Arizona has committed $165 billion for its initial investment, the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history. Earlier this year, TSMC announced an additional $100 billion for expansion, including three new chip fabs, two advanced packaging facilities, and an R&D center.
TSMC Arizona supports the North Phoenix community by distributing produce via Borderlands Produce Rescue, supporting Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, expanding Career Action Lab programs at Desert Sky Middle School, and participating in the NorthPark mixed-use development.
TSMC Arizona strengthens the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, supports national security, advances AI leadership, and represents a historic foreign investment in American technology infrastructure.