Tower Semiconductor revives shuttered Panasonic-era fab in $3 billion Japan photonics expansion — METI-backed plan targets $3.6 billion revenue by 2028

Tower Semiconductor is breathing new life into a long-closed Panasonic factory in Japan, signaling a major push into photonics with a $3 billion investment. This move aims to generate $3.6 billion in revenue by 2028, with backing from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). This expansion is crucial for Tower Semiconductor as it seeks to secure a competitive edge in advanced packaging and silicon photonics, technologies that are increasingly vital for high-speed data transfer and next-gen communications. The revival of the Panasonic-era fab underscores the growing importance of Japan in the global semiconductor market.