Nexperia Begins U.S. Chip Production for the First Time, Partnering with Polar Semiconductor on MOSFETs

Dutch chipmaker Nexperia recently announced a partnership with U.S.-based Polar Semiconductor to produce next-generation metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) at Polar’s wafer fabrication facility in Bloomington, Minnesota. These transistors are primarily used for signal switching and amplification in digital circuits. This collaboration marks Nexperia’s first foray into chip manufacturing in the United States. Stefan Tyroller, Nexperia’s interim CEO, stated that this move is a critical step in strengthening the company’s long-term production and supply chain strategy, helping secure stable capacity and building a reliable, resilient supply system for customers. Nexperia already operates multiple offices across the U.S. and maintains a technology center in Dallas. Nexperia’s wafer manufacturing is primarily based in Germany and the UK, while most of its global chip assembly and testing operations are carried out in China. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Nexperia is a subsidiary of Chinese electronics manufacturer Wingtech Technology. In late September 2023, the Dutch government took control of Nexperia citing intellectual property concerns, prompting China to subsequently suspend exports of finished chips from the company. Chips produced at Nexperia’s Dongguan factory are used in automotive control modules such as brake systems and power windows. Although these basic chips have low unit prices, previous supply shortages forced automakers Nissan and Honda to cut production, and German supplier Bosch also reduced output at some of its plants. Currently, disagreements between Nexperia, its Chinese business entities, and parent company Wingtech remain unresolved, placing continued pressure on its global chip supply. However, Wingtech Chairman Yang Mu stated that Nexperia’s China operations have largely completed the establishment of an independent management structure, with core management and R&D teams based in China, holding full decision-making authority over business operations and having already forged partnerships with multiple domestic suppliers.