Jun 27, 2023 /SemiMedia/ -- According to reports, Sony plans to build a new image sensor factory in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, to strengthen its chip business and deepen its relationship with TSMC.

Sony's factory, which plans to produce image sensors for smartphones, will be built on a 270,000-square-meter site in Kochi Prefecture in southwestern Japan, said Terushi Shimizu, president of Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp.

Sony unveiled a plan in May to spin off its financial arm to focus its resources on its semiconductor and entertainment businesses. Later in May, Sony said it would acquire a piece of land in Kochi Prefecture.

Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture has been attracting a lot of chip-related investment in recent years. TSMC is building a chip factory in Kumamoto Prefecture and plans to set up a second chip factory. Sony formed a joint venture with TSMC and auto parts maker Denso to manage the first TSMC plant under construction. The new factory is expected to supply chips to Sony and other customers.

So far, Sony has not specified the investment amount, nor has it given a timetable for building the factory.