Mitsubishi Electric Launches Advanced Semiconductor Facility to Boost Production Capacity and Innovation

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KIKUCHI, KUMAMOTO PREF. –

Mitsubishi Electric corporation Officially Announced the Completion of its Cutting-Edge Power Semiconductor production Facility On Wednesday. the New Installation, located within the Company’s Shisui Plant in Kikuchi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Represents a Notable Investment in the Future of electric Vehicle Technology.

Strategic Investment in Silicon Carbide Technology

The Newly Constructed Facility, Costing Approximately ¥100 Billion (Roughly $680 Million), is Dedicated to the Production of Silicon Carbide Power Semiconductors. These Advanced Components Are Crucial for Enhancing the efficiency and Performance of Electric Vehicles and Modern Home Appliances. Silicon Carbide Chips Offer Superior Energy Efficiency Compared to Traditional Silicon-Based Alternatives, Making Them Increasingly Desirable in the Automotive Industry.

The Company Anticipates Commencing Operations at the Facility in November, with Mass Production Targeted for 2027. The Six-Story Structure, Spanning 42,000 Square Meters, Will Focus On the Intricate Process of Etching Circuits onto Semiconductor Wafers.

Market Dynamics Influence Production Expansion

Despite This Substantial Investment, Mitsubishi Electric Has Revised Its Equipment Enhancement Plans. Certain Expansion Phases, Initially Scheduled, Have Been Postponed Until Fiscal Year 2031 and beyond.This Adjustment Reflects a Current Assessment of the electric vehicle Market, Which Has Exhibited Slower growth Than Initially Projected.

“We Will Determine the Number of Production Lines Based on Careful Evaluation of Market Conditions and Othre Relevant Factors,” Stated Mitsubishi Electric President Kei Uruma To Members of the Press. This Cautious Approach Highlights the Company’s Commitment to Adapting to Evolving Industry Demands.

Did You No? The global power semiconductor market is expected to reach $109.2 billion by 2028,growing at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by Allied Market Research.

facility Feature	Details
location	Shisui Plant, Kikuchi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Total Cost	¥100 Billion ($680 Million)
Floor Space	42,000 Square Meters
Production Start	November (Operations), 2027 (Mass Production)
Focus	Silicon Carbide power Semiconductors

Pro Tip: Investing in silicon carbide technology is a key strategy for companies looking to capitalize on the growing demand for more efficient and powerful semiconductors in electric vehicles and other applications.

The Broader Implications for the Semiconductor Industry

This Advancement Underscores the Ongoing Shift Towards Advanced Semiconductor Technologies. Demand for Silicon Carbide Is Driven By Its Superior Characteristics, Including Higher Breakdown Voltage, faster switching Speeds, and Improved Thermal Conductivity. These Attributes Are Especially Important in Electric Vehicle Powertrains, Where They Contribute to Increased Range and Reduced Charging Times.

Furthermore, the market Adjustment Highlighted by Mitsubishi Electric Serves As a Reminder of The volatility in the Electric Vehicle Sector. While Long-Term Growth Prospects Remain Strong, Short-Term Fluctuations Can Influence Investment Decisions And Production Schedules.

Will the EV market rebound quickly enough to justify further expansion of Mitsubishi Electric’s production capacity? How will other semiconductor manufacturers respond to these shifting market dynamics?

Understanding Power Semiconductors

Power semiconductors are essential components in modern electronics, acting as switches or variable resistors to control electrical current and voltage. They are crucial for power conversion and management in applications ranging from electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to industrial motors and consumer appliances. The efficiency of power semiconductors directly impacts the overall energy efficiency of these systems.

Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a wide bandgap semiconductor material that offers significant advantages over traditional silicon (Si) in high-power applications. These advantages include lower on-resistance, higher breakdown voltage, and superior thermal conductivity, leading to improved performance and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions about mitsubishi Electric’s new Facility

• What are power semiconductors? Power semiconductors control electric currents and voltages in electronic devices.
• Why is Mitsubishi Electric investing in silicon carbide? Silicon carbide offers higher energy efficiency than traditional silicon-based chips, making it ideal for electric vehicles.
• When will the new facility begin mass production? The facility is expected to begin mass production in 2027.
• What caused Mitsubishi Electric to postpone some expansion plans? A slower-than-expected increase in demand in the electric vehicle market.
• Where is the new facility located? The facility is located in Kikuchi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
• How much did the new facility cost? The facility cost approximately ¥100 billion ($680 million).
• What is the floor space of the new facility? The facility has a total floor space of 42,000 square meters.

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How will the new facility address the current global semiconductor shortage?

Expanding Global Semiconductor Capabilities

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced today, October 2nd, 2025, the completion and launch of its new, state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication facility. This significant investment underscores Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to meeting the surging global demand for power semiconductors, particularly those crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and industrial automation. The new facility, located in[InsertLocation-[InsertLocation-Note: Location not provided in search results, needs to be added], represents a multi-billion dollar investment and is designed to significantly increase production capacity of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power devices.

Key Features of the New Facility

The advanced semiconductor plant boasts several cutting-edge features designed to optimize production efficiency and product quality:

* Advanced Automation: The facility incorporates extensive automation throughout the manufacturing process, minimizing human error and maximizing throughput. This includes robotic handling of wafers, automated optical inspection (AOI), and advanced process control systems.

* SiC and gan Focus: A core focus of the new plant is the production of SiC and GaN power semiconductors. These wide bandgap materials offer superior performance characteristics compared to traditional silicon-based devices,including higher efficiency,faster switching speeds,and improved thermal conductivity. This makes them ideal for demanding applications.

* Enhanced Cleanroom Technology: The facility utilizes the latest cleanroom technology to maintain an ultra-pure manufacturing environment, critical for producing high-reliability semiconductors. Stringent air filtration and contamination control measures are in place.

* Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Mitsubishi Electric is committed to environmentally responsible manufacturing. The new facility incorporates energy-efficient equipment,water recycling systems,and waste reduction programs to minimize its environmental footprint.

* Increased Wafer Capacity: The new fab will initially add[InsertWaferCapacity-[InsertWaferCapacity-Note: Capacity not provided in search results, needs to be added]wafers per month, with plans for further expansion based on market demand. This directly addresses the current global semiconductor shortage impacting various industries.

Impact on Power Semiconductor Market

This expansion directly addresses the growing demand for power semiconductors driven by several key trends:

* Electric Vehicle (EV) Revolution: The automotive industry’s rapid transition to EVs is fueling massive demand for SiC and GaN power devices used in inverters, onboard chargers, and DC-DC converters. These semiconductors improve EV range and charging efficiency.

* Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Solar inverters and wind turbine converters rely heavily on power semiconductors to efficiently convert and transmit renewable energy. The growth of renewable energy sources is driving increased demand.

* Industrial Automation & Robotics: Advanced industrial automation systems and robotics require high-performance power semiconductors for motor drives, power supplies, and control circuits.

* 5G Infrastructure: The rollout of 5G networks requires efficient power management solutions, creating further demand for advanced semiconductors.

Mitsubishi Electric’s Semiconductor Technology Leadership

Mitsubishi Electric has a long history of innovation in semiconductor technology. The company’s expertise spans a wide range of semiconductor devices, including:

* IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors): A cornerstone of power electronics, IGBTs are used in a variety of applications, from motor drives to power supplies.

* mosfets (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors): Essential components in digital circuits and power management systems.

* Silicon Carbide (SiC) Devices: Mitsubishi Electric is a leading manufacturer of SiC schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) and SiC MOSFETs, offering superior performance in high-voltage and high-temperature applications.

* gallium nitride (GaN) Devices: The company is actively developing and commercializing GaN power devices for applications requiring high frequency and high efficiency.

Benefits of SiC and GaN Semiconductors

Compared to traditional silicon-based semiconductors, SiC and GaN offer significant advantages:

Feature	Silicon (Si)	Silicon Carbide (SiC)	Gallium Nitride (GaN)
Breakdown Voltage	Lower	Higher	Higher
Switching Speed	Slower	Faster	Faster
Thermal Conductivity	Lower	Higher	Higher
Efficiency	Lower	Higher	Higher
Cost	Lower	Higher	Higher

These benefits translate into smaller, lighter, and more efficient power systems, crucial for applications like EVs and renewable energy.

Real-world Applications & Case Studies

While specific case studies directly linked to the new facility aren’t yet available (as of October 2nd, 2025), Mitsubishi Electric’s existing sic technology has been successfully deployed in several applications:

* Nissan Leaf: Mitsubishi Electric’s SiC inverters are used in the Nissan leaf electric vehicle, contributing to improved range and efficiency.

* Railway Systems: SiC devices are utilized in railway traction systems to reduce energy consumption and improve performance.

* Solar Inverters: