TSMC evaluates potential Texas investment, sources say

By Wen-Yee Lee and Fanny Potkin

TAIPEI, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Taiwan's TSMC 2330.TW, the world's largest contract chipmaker, is evaluating a potential investment in Texas to expand chip production in the US, two sources familiar with the matter said.

The potential investment would be in addition to the $265 billion TSMC has already committed to Arizona, one of the sources said.

The plans have not been finalised, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Taiwanese media first reported the development this week, citing unnamed industry sources.

TSMC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The company unveiled in July a further $100 billion investment in Arizona, expanding its previously pledged investment there to $265 billion to build semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

Chief Executive C.C. Wei said at the time that "probably additional four or more fabs will be built," referring to both front-end and back-end facilities.

Including current and planned projects, TSMC's Arizona operations will comprise 12 fabrication and advanced packaging facilities as well as an R&D centre.

Chief Financial Officer Wendell Huang told Reuters in July that the company would continue to invest in the United States.