Micron Technology's packaging unit in Sanand, Gujarat, is set to debut the first semiconductor chips manufactured in India, as announced by Micron India Managing Director Anand Ramamoorthy, expected in the initial half of 2025. "We expect to have products roll out early next year, in the first half, which is a very good turnaround given that we announced this whole engagement in the middle of last year", Ramamoorthy stated.
Ramamoorthy stated that a significant portion of the chips manufactured in Sanand will be earmarked for export, potentially positioning the facility as a prominent player in the worldwide semiconductor industry. He highlighted that these chips are intended for diverse applications including data centers, smartphones, notebooks, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Nonetheless, the precise distribution of the chips will be decided nearer to the production phase, taking into account factors such as demand fluctuations, pricing strategies, and customer preferences.
Micron is exploring fresh prospects in burgeoning sectors like electric two-wheeler vehicles and specialized government contracts exclusive to the Indian market. Ramamoorthy suggested potential collaborations with Tata Electronics' semiconductor fabrication facilities in Assam and Gujarat, drawing on existing partnerships with Tata Group entities and considering diversification of product lines into their plants. Micron is actively working on establishing its semiconductor supply chain in India, with crucial suppliers like Simmtech initiating operations in Gujarat. Ramamoorthy emphasized the company's cooperation with both the government and suppliers to capitalize on opportunities within India's semiconductor ecosystem.
Under the government's $10 billion financial incentive scheme for semiconductor fabrication and assembly, Micron is establishing an assembly, testing, monitoring, and packaging (ATMP) plant in India. The project, supported by significant financial backing from central and state governments, is poised to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, further bolstering India's semiconductor landscape.
Earlier this week, a report indicated that Micron Technology could potentially secure $6.1 billion in grants from the United States Commerce Department to reintroduce semiconductor production to the US. Allegedly, the company has committed to establishing up to four factories in New York state and one in Idaho. However, Micron has noted that a combination of Chips grants, investment tax credits, and local incentives would be necessary to bridge the cost disparities between domestic and overseas units. While the company has ongoing projects in China and Japan, as well as India.