GlobalFoundries will operate two planned fabrication plants at its Malta campus, with construction due to begin this year and production from 2029.
GlobalFoundries has been chosen to run two new chip fabrication plants at its Malta, New York, campus under a US-Japan investment programme valued at up to $21 billion, in a deal designed to enlarge domestic semiconductor output and reduce supply-chain pressure in sectors such as automotive, industrial equipment and connected infrastructure. According to the company’s announcement, Japan will provide the capital, while GlobalFoundries will act as the technology provider and operator of the sites.
The first phase is expected to involve about $10 billion for a new 300mm fabrication plant, with production due to start in 2029. A second facility could follow with a similar level of investment, which would lift the overall capacity of the campus further. GlobalFoundries said the combined project could generate roughly 27,000 construction-related and ecosystem jobs, alongside more than 1,000 skilled manufacturing roles in New York’s Capital Region.
The company also said it has agreed to amend its existing award under the US CHIPS and Science Act, redirecting $955 million into silicon photonics, silicon-germanium, or SiGe, and advanced packaging. Those technologies are becoming more important for data centres and communications networks, where demand is rising for faster data transfer and more complex chip integration. The revised arrangement also includes an equity stake of about 4% for the US Department of Commerce, giving Washington a direct financial interest in GlobalFoundries’ growth.
Construction is expected to begin this year, after the Malta site secured the necessary permits and prepared the infrastructure needed for the build-out. New York’s Green CHIPS programme will continue to support the project, while Governor Kathy Hochul has highlighted its potential to strengthen the state’s semiconductor workforce and deepen industrial ties with Japan. GlobalFoundries has also pointed to workforce development, saying collaboration with colleges and training partners will be important in staffing the new facilities and supporting customers that include Renesas, Tokyo Electron, Apple, Cirrus Logic and General Motors.
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