<p>TAIPEI, Taiwan — Major Taiwan computer chip maker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plans to invest $100 billion in the next three years in expanding its manufacturing capacity and supporting research and development, the company said Thursday. </p>
<p>TSMC, the world’s biggest contract producer of semiconductors, said it anticipates faster growth thanks to long-term trends like the introduction of next-generation telecommunications and high-performance computing. The coronavirus pandemic, meanwhile is revving up demand for electronic devices as the world relies increasingly on digitalization. </p>
<p>“TSMC is working closely with our customers to address their needs in a sustainable manner," the company said in an emailed statement. </p>
<p>It did not give further details. </p>
<p>Intel, Samsung and other chip makers also have been boosting investments to meet rising demand and joust for market share.</p>
<p>TSMC makes processor chips for major brands like Apple Inc. It earlier announced plans to invest $3.5 billion in a second U.S. manufacturing site, in North Phoenix, Arizona, as concern grows over heavy American reliance on sources in Asia for high-tech components. </p>
<p>The company operates a semiconductor wafer fabrication facility in Camas, Washington, and design centers in San Jose, California, and Austin, Texas.</p>
<p>Most semiconductors used in smartphones, medical equipment, computers and other products are made in Taiwan, South Korea and China. </p>
