L&T, Foxconn Arm To Develop High-Voltage Semicon Wafers

SUMMARY

The two companies will develop wafers, with voltage ratings in the range of 650V to 3,300V, for automotive and industrial applications

The partnership will also enable L&T Semiconductor to use Hon Young Semiconductor’s facilities in Taiwan to engineer and produce wafers tailored for power components

This follows L&T Semiconductor joining hands with Kaynes Semicon earlier this year to acquire the power modules business of Japan’s Fujitsu General Electronics for INR 118.32 Cr.

L&T Semiconductor Technologies yesterday reportedly signed a long-term pact with contract manufacturer Foxconn’s subsidiary Hon Young Semiconductor to jointly develop high-voltage semiconductor wafers.

As per Economic Times, the two companies will develop wafers, with voltage ratings in the range of 650V to 3,300V, for automotive and industrial applications. As per the report, the duo will also “collaborate” to ensure “wafer performance, quality, and scalability”.

“The partnership leverages HYS’s deep expertise in wafer fabrication alongside LTSCT’s integration know-how and domain understanding of automotive and industrial power solutions,” the company reportedly said in a statement.

Alongside, the partnership will also reportedly open the doors for L&T Semiconductor to use Hon Young Semiconductor’s facilities in Taiwan to engineer and produce wafers tailored for power components.

L&T Semiconductor Technologies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The fabless semiconductor company designs and delivers smart devices for global customers.

It aims to build a semiconductor portfolio that spans power, analogue, mixed signal, and RF products for automotive, industrial, energy, and telecommunication companies.

The latest development marks L&T’s latest bid to gain a foothold in the booming Indian semiconductor space. In June, the homegrown company joined hands with Kaynes Semicon to acquire the power modules business of Japan’s Fujitsu General Electronics for INR 118.32 Cr.

In September last year, L&T Semiconductor Technologies also signed a research and development (R&D) pact with tech major IBM to design advanced processors. Prior to this in July 2024, the company also said that it was acquiring a 100% stake in semiconductor design startup SiliConch Systems for INR 183 Cr.

On the other hand, Foxconn has been aggressively ramping up its India operations. Earlier this year, the company announced a joint venture (JV) with HCL to set up an OSAT facility in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida to manufacture chips for mobile phones, laptops and automobiles.

Meanwhile, smartphone manufacturing continues to be Foxconn’s bread and butter. Just a day ago, Tamil Nadu industries minister TRB Rajaa said that the Taiwanese company has committed INR 15,000 Cr to enhance its operations in the state. This followed Taiwan’s ministry of economic affairs approving Foxconn’s proposal to invest $2.2 Bn in India and the US.

That said, Foxconn is one of the largest contract manufacturers of iPhone in India. Between March and May, the company exported iPhones worth $3.2 Bn from India to the US. It plans to manufacture 25-30 Mn units of iPhone from India in 2025.