Leading image sensor maker Sony plans to build a plant near TSMC’s fab in Kumamoto, Japan to source chips from it, Nikkei Asia reported on Dec. 16. Sony expects to have the new plant begin construction in 2024 with an estimated cost of billions of dollars. The plant is expected to be operational as soon as the fiscal year of 2025. The plant is likely to be located near Sony’s sensor factory where Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) is building a 16/12nm fab to ship vital components for image sensors. JASM was set up by TSMC in 2021, with Sony and Toyota Supplier Denso taking a minor stake. Japan’s government has provided subsidies of $3.5 billion to JASM as part of its plan to grow the country’s semiconductor sector. [Nikkei Asia]