UMC says collaboration with Intel to make 12-nm process node on track: Report
Taipei, May 27
,: Taiwan's second biggest contract chipmaker, United Microelectronics Corp., said that the collaboration with Intel for the production of the 12-nanometer process node is on schedule and will start from next year, Focus Taiwan reported.
UMC President Jason Wang said that the 12nm process nodes are currently being certified at Intel's Arizona campus. The certification is expected to be completed by the year-end, and production is expected to start from next year, according to the report.
The partnership between the two tech players was announced in 2024.
"Our collaboration with Intel on a U.S.-manufactured 12 nm process with FinFET capabilities is a step forward in advancing our strategy of pursuing cost-efficient capacity expansion and technology node advancement in continuing our commitment to customers. This effort will enable our customers to smoothly migrate to this critical new node, and also benefit from the resiliency of an added Western footprint," Wang had said at the time of announcing the partnership.
The new process node would be developed and manufactured in Fabs 12, 22 and 32 at Intel's Ocotillo Technology Fabrication site in Arizona.
The production will markedly benefit from UMC's decades of process leadership expertise in providing foundry services.
The FinFET technology is an advanced 3D transistor structure that increases the efficiency of a chip by allowing it to run faster using the same amount of power or to run at the same speed on reduced power.
Wang said that despite global uncertainties emerging from geopolitical conflict and exchange rate volatility, UMC was able to maintain its long-term competitiveness.
Revenue generated from its 22nm and 28nm nodes and specialty process set records in 2025, the Taiwan Focus report quoted Wang as saying.
UMC posted consolidated sales of $7.57 billion in 2025, up 2.3 per cent from a year earlier, while its net profit came in at $1.33 billion, down 11.6 per cent from a year earlier.
UMC will raise product prices in the second half of this year, chief financial officer Chitung Liu said, owing to rising production costs, according to the news report.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting move by Intel to partner with UMC. 12nm FinFET might not be cutting edge but it's reliable for automotive and industrial uses. Makes sense for supply chain diversification.
Why is everyone rushing to set up fabs in the US? Taiwan has the expertise. India should be the next Taiwan - we have the engineering talent, just need policy support and infrastructure. 😕
Revenue up but profit down - that's concerning. Inflation and rising costs are hitting everyone. UMC raising prices will affect the whole supply chain, including our electronics imports. Hope India's chip plans move fast.
FinFET at 12nm is mature tech. But having a US-based manufacturing partner gives supply chain security. Smart move by Intel to leverage UMC's foundry expertise while keeping production stateside.
Taiwan continues to lead in chip manufacturing despite geopolitical tensions. UMC's partnership with Intel shows how important US-Taiwan tech cooperation is. With rising costs though, I worry about how this affects global chip prices. Arre yaar, sab mehnga ho raha hai! 😅
UMC's record revenue in 22nm/28nm nodes shows that mature nodes still have strong demand. India's upcoming fabs
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