Bosch has announced its intention to acquire TSI Semiconductors, a producer of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) made of silicon carbide (SiC). SiC chips are widely used in systems such as electric vehicles that need to operate reliably under demanding conditions, enabling longer range and more efficient charging. Bosch plans to invest more than USD 1.5 billion in the Roseville facility and convert TSI Semiconductors’ manufacturing facilities to state-of-the-art processes. The company is systematically strengthening its semiconductor business due to the global boom and advancement of electromobility. Additionally, Bosch will expand the capacity of its existing silicon carbide plant in Reutlingen, Germany, from 376,000 square feet of cleanroom space to more than 470,000 square feet. The full size of the planned investment will depend heavily on federal funding opportunities through the US CHIPS and Science Act as well as economic development opportunities in the state of California. Dr. Stefan Hartung, the chairman of Bosch’s board of directors, stated that the acquisition of TSI Semiconductors will establish production capacity for SiC chips in a key market and expand their semiconductor production globally. Bosch and TSI Semiconductors have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval.
