December 9, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — UMC said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Polar Semiconductor to evaluate joint production of 8-inch wafers in the United States. The initiative targets applications in automotive, data centers, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, areas where demand for mature-node capacity remains steady.

The two companies will define the product lineup that could be manufactured at Polar’s recently expanded 8-inch facility in Minnesota. UMC noted that combining Polar’s US-based manufacturing footprint with its own mature-node portfolio and global customer base would support customers seeking diversified sourcing options.

Collaboration aims to boost domestic resilience amid geopolitical shifts

Both firms said the collaboration could strengthen US 8-inch wafer manufacturing and enhance supply-chain resilience as geopolitical dynamics drive renewed interest in domestic semiconductor production.

“This effort aligns with Polar’s strategy to address growing demand for US-based chip manufacturing,” said Ken Obuszewski, vice president of marketing at Polar.
“It directly responds to our customers’ requests for more US-made semiconductor products,” added Oliver Chang, senior vice president of worldwide sales at UMC.