Samsung's Texas Chip Plant To Begin Trial Operations In December Ahead Of 2027 Production Of 2nm AI Chips For Tesla

South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics is set to commence trial operations at its new chip manufacturing plant in Taylor, Texas, as early as December 2023, according to a report by The Korea Herald. The facility, known as Samsung Austin Semiconductor, is currently being equipped with manufacturing equipment and preparation for production lines.

Production is anticipated to commence in mid-to-late December, though Samsung has not solidified a specific date for the trial run. The company has not officially confirmed the timeline, but confirmed last month that the plant will be fully operational by year-end. Samsung Austin Semiconductor is actively recruiting engineers skilled in etching, metallisation, and ion implantation, as well as technical instructors to train new employees.

The trial operations will involve testing manufacturing equipment and production processes, with a focus on stabilising production yields for advanced 2-nanometre technology. The Taylor facility is set to manufacture next-generation AI chips for Tesla under a USD 16.5 billion supply agreement signed last year. Commercial production is planned for the second half of 2027.

Samsung began construction of the Texas plant in 2022, initially targeting operations for the second half of 2024, but the project has been delayed by approximately two years. The company is also constructing a second plant in Taylor, with plans for mass production in 2030. Samsung currently holds a 5.9 percent share of global foundry revenue, trailing Taiwan-based TSMC in the market.