November 10, 2026 / SemiMedia / — Samsung Electronics could begin trial operations at its first foundry fab in Taylor, Texas, as early as December, ahead of a planned production ramp in 2027. The Korea Herald, citing industry sources, reported that testing could start around mid-to-late December. Samsung has not confirmed a date.

Work at the facility includes equipment installation, production line setup and performance checks. Samsung Austin Semiconductor is also recruiting engineers specializing in etching, metallization and ion implantation, as well as technical instructors to train new employees.

The trial phase would test manufacturing equipment and processes before commercial production. Yield stabilization will be important as Samsung prepares the site for advanced 2nm chip manufacturing. In its October 29 earnings release, Samsung included the start of Taylor fab operations in its 2027 plans to strengthen global supply capabilities.

The fab is expected to manufacture Tesla's next generation AI6 chips under the $16.5 billion supply agreement announced in 2025. According to the report, production of those chips is planned for the second half of 2027.

Samsung began construction in 2022 and originally targeted operations in the second half of 2024. The latest preparations follow roughly two years of delays.

Samsung also plans to begin construction of a second Taylor fab in November, with operations targeted for 2030. Reports have linked the second plant to HBM logic base die orders for AMD and Nvidia, but those customer contracts have not been publicly confirmed.