May. 24, 2012 (China Knowledge) - United Microelectronics Corp, or UMC, the world's second-largest chip maker by revenue, plans to invest US$8 billion in the coming few years to expand its advanced chip plant in Tainan, South Taiwan.

The contract chip maker, which already owns two 12-inch wafer plants in Tainan, intends to build another one in the area. UMC also has a 12-inch wafer plant in Singapore.

The new facility, which would produce chips with the advanced technology of 28-nanometer and 20-nanometer processes, is expected to go into operation in the second half of 2013, with a designed monthly output capacity of 50,000 12-inch wafers.

Chairman Stan Hung said UMC remains optimistic about the long-term outlook of the semiconductor and foundry industries.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co or TSMC, the world's largest contract chip maker by revenue, in April announced plans to spend NT$350 billion or US$11.85 billion to expand its chip capacity also in Tainan.