December 17, 2024 /SemiMedia/ — STMicroelectronics (ST) has announced plans to produce its popular STM32 microcontroller units (MCUs) in China, establishing a fully localized manufacturing chain to meet the growing demand from both domestic and international customers.

Arnaud Julienne, Vice President of Microcontroller, Digital IC & RF Products, IoT/AI Innovation Center, and Digital Marketing for ST in China, stated, "To achieve complete localization of the STM32 supply chain, we are setting up an end-to-end manufacturing chain in China for specific STM32 products. This will help our customers in China improve operational efficiency while providing seamless supply chain support for global OEMs operating in China."

According to Julienne, ST has selected Huahong Grace Semiconductor as its wafer foundry partner. A dedicated production line will be established at Huahong's Wuxi facility, using equipment identical to that in ST's own wafer fabs to ensure consistent product quality. Additionally, the final testing and assembly processes will take place at ST's Shenzhen facility STS and in cooperation with local outsourced assembly and test (OSAT) partners.

Julienne added, "By utilizing the market-tested 40nm manufacturing process, STM32 products made in both Europe and China will offer identical performance and quality. This localized manufacturing approach will robustly support the medium-term demand for STM32 in the Chinese market." The first locally produced STM32 products are expected to be available by the end of 2025.