GLOBALFOUNDRIES(US:GFS) 半导体行业观察·2025-10-29 02:14Core Viewpoint - GlobalFoundries plans to invest €1.1 billion to expand its semiconductor manufacturing capacity in Dresden, Germany, aiming to produce over 1 million wafers annually by the end of 2028, making it the largest facility of its kind in Europe [2][4]. Investment and Expansion Plans - The "SPRINT" expansion project will receive support from the German federal government and Saxony under the European Chips Act, with full implementation expected to be approved by the EU later this year [2][4]. - The investment highlights Saxony's role as a key hub for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation, reinforcing Europe's strategy to enhance supply chain resilience [2][4]. Government and Political Support - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the investment, emphasizing Germany's commitment to being an industrial and innovation center, particularly in shaping the global semiconductor market [2][4]. - Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer noted that the investment is a positive development for the Saxony Silicon Valley, enhancing economic strength and technological independence in Europe [2][4]. Technological Focus - The new capacity will focus on differentiated technologies, including low power consumption, embedded security memory, and wireless connectivity, which are crucial for sectors like automotive, IoT, defense, and critical infrastructure [2][4]. - The investment will also support ongoing innovations in next-generation computing architectures and quantum technologies [2][4]. Market Demand and Supply Chain Concerns - GlobalFoundries' CEO Tim Breen stated that the recent turmoil in the automotive sector has highlighted the fragility of the global chip supply chain, prompting the need for independent semiconductor supply outside of China and Taiwan [4][5]. - The company aims to meet the growing demand from European clients for secure and independent semiconductor supply chains [4][5]. EU Chips Act and Market Dynamics - The EU Chips Act aims for Europe to control 20% of the global advanced chip production market by 2030, but current levels are only at 8.1% [5]. - GlobalFoundries is expected to receive subsidies from the EU Chips Act, although there are concerns about the slow process and allocation of funds [5][6].