Bangkok: Microchip, the US chip giant, is expanding its investment in Thailand, with a cumulative investment since its inception exceeding 38 billion baht. This expansion aims to elevate the company to a major base for advanced chip assembly and testing, reinforcing confidence in the potential and ecosystem of the Thai semiconductor industry and supporting the country's goal of becoming a fully integrated "Made in Thailand" chip market.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narit Therdsteerasak, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), revealed after touring the production line and meeting with executives of Microchip Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. that Microchip was the first major U.S. chip manufacturer to invest in Thailand in 1995 and has continued to expand its investment over the past 30 years. The BOI's Project Review Subcommittee recently approved the expansion of investment in chip assembly and testing projects (Wafer Testing, IC Packaging, and Testing) to support global market growth. The investment is valued at approximately 2 billion baht. This brings the total investment promotion for Microchip Technology (Thailand) to 12 projects, with a total investment value of over 38 billion baht.
Microchip Technology (Thailand) is a subsidiary of Microchip Technology Inc., a global leader in intelligent semiconductors and control systems. Microchip manufactures microcontroller, analog and power management chips that power intelligent devices in the automotive, electronics, telecommunications, data center, automation, and aerospace industries. The company serves more than 100,000 customers in more than 120 countries and is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange.
In Thailand, Microchip operates two high-tech assembly and test facilities in Chachoengsao Province, employing more than 4,500 Thai people, including 440 Thai engineers. This represents Microchip's largest chip assembly and test base, with more than 90 percent of Microchip's worldwide products being tested at the Thai facility before being sold to customers. Microchip's operations in Thailand include wafer-on-chip IC testing, chip assembly and testing, a distribution hub for the Asia-Pacific region, and engineering, manufacturing, and performance verification support for its global subsidiaries. This new investment is focused on enhancing Microchip's advanced chip assembly and test capabilities to support the rapidly growing global market.
Microchip also prioritizes the development of Thai personnel. It has partnered with 21 educational institutions, both undergraduate and vocational, as well as cooperative education programs, to develop advanced semiconductor personnel. The knowledge and technology accumulated in its Thai manufacturing base has also made its Thai plant a knowledge center for training and developing the company's engineers from overseas.
"Microchip, a global leader in chip manufacturing from the United States, has continued to invest and develop its business in Thailand, transforming it into the largest assembly and test center in its group. Furthermore, it has encouraged Thai engineers to play a key role in designing and developing manufacturing and testing technologies, reflecting its confidence in the capabilities of Thai workforce and Thailand's potential as a key base for the company's long-term growth. This expansion of investment will strengthen the Thai semiconductor industry ecosystem and support Thailand's goal of making chips made in Thailand," said Mr. Narit.