August 29, 2024 /SemiMedia/ — Micron is set to expand its production facilities in Taiwan region by acquiring three LCD manufacturing plants from AU Optronics (AUO) in Taichung for approximately NT$8.1 billion (around $253.3 million). Previously, Micron attempted to purchase another facility in Tainan from Innolux but was turned down, prompting the shift to AUO.

Earlier this year, TSMC purchased a similar facility from Innolux for NT$17 billion (about $531.6 million). However, Innolux appears unwilling to sell additional plants this year.

AUO's three facilities were originally used for producing LCD color filters; two have ceased operations as of this month. The remaining operational plant will continue under AUO’s lease for ongoing filter production. The facilities range in size, with the largest covering 146,033 square meters and the smallest 32,500 square meters.

Micron has not detailed its specific manufacturing plans but has stated that the new facilities will be partly used for front-end wafer testing and will support the company's ongoing DRAM production expansion in Taichung and Taoyuan. According to market sources, strong demand for AI products, particularly HBM memory, is driving the focus of Micron’s plans. The transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.