U.S.-based GlobalWafers set to manufacture wafers for Apple from American facilities
In a significant development for the semiconductor industry, GlobalWafers, a leading manufacturer of semiconductor wafers, has announced plans to accelerate the next phase of capacity expansion in the US. This decision comes in response to the robust demand from its US customers.
Speaking about the development, Mark England, the president of GlobalWafers, stated that the entire semiconductor supply chain is now back in the US in full force. This statement underscores the larger trend of the semiconductor industry returning to the US, with GlobalWafers' new wafer manufacturing facilities in Texas playing a pivotal role.
The company plans to invest an additional US$4 billion in advanced 300mm wafers in Sherman, Texas. This investment will bring their total investment in the US to US$7.5 billion. The new facilities are eligible for an advanced manufacturing investment tax credit of up to 35 percent, a significant incentive that is likely to have influenced this decision.
The tax credit, known as the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit under §48D of the tax code, was bolstered by the 2025 "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." This credit, which applies to capital investments such as machinery, equipment, and facility upgrades used in advanced manufacturing, including semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities, is expected to be the core tax credit supporting such wafer manufacturing facilities.
Permanent 100% bonus depreciation for capital expenditures also complements this credit, allowing manufacturers to immediately expense eligible capital investments like machinery and robotics, further enhancing cash flow from new investments.
The first new plant in Texas is scheduled to begin high-volume production in the second half of this year. This expansion is seen as a powerful market signal, with GlobalWafers' partnership with tech giant Apple being particularly noteworthy. In fact, GlobalWafers is the only manufacturer of advanced 300mm wafers participating in US President Donald Trump's "CHIPS for America" program.
Following the announcement, shares in GlobalWafers surged 9.97 percent, reflecting the market's positive response to this strategic move. As the semiconductor industry continues to grow and evolve, developments like these are shaping the future of technology and economy in the US.
In the realm of technology, the financial aspect plays a crucial role in the expansion of GlobalWafers' semiconductor manufacturing business, as they plan to invest an additional $4 billion in advanced 300mm wafers in Texas. This decision was likely influenced by the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, a significant incentive that bolstered by the 2025 "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," offering a tax credit of up to 35 percent for capital investments in advanced manufacturing, including semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities. With this new investment, GlobalWafers' total commitment to the US will reach $7.5 billion.
