GlobalFoundries & Renesas: Scaling Global Chip Manufacturing

Semiconductor manufacturing giants GlobalFoundries and Renesas Electronics Corporation have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership.

This multi-billion-dollar agreement is designed to accelerate the production of essential semiconductors used in smart vehicles and next-generation industrial systems.

Under the terms of the deal, Renesas will gain enhanced access to the differentiated technology platforms of GlobalFoundries. This move is intended to support the production of advanced microcontrollers and system-on-chip solutions.

The collaboration is designed to establish secure and resilient supply chains while aligning with the national priorities of the US to strengthen its domestic chip production capacity.

Manufacturing starts in the US

The production schedule for the first chip designs is currently on track to begin in mid-2026.

Manufacturing will initially be concentrated in the US, using the advanced facilities of GlobalFoundries to provide localised production options. Following the initial phase, production is expected to extend to other GlobalFoundries facilities, including sites in Germany and Singapore.

This expansion is critical for meeting the demand for semiconductors that power radar for driver assistance and manage complex battery systems. By diversifying manufacturing locations, the partners aim to provide customers with greater flexibility and long-term supply assurance.

Global leaders in essential semiconductor technology

GlobalFoundries is a leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors used for work, connectivity, and automotive applications.

With a manufacturing footprint spanning the US, Europe and Asia, it focuses on high-performance, power-efficient products.

Renesas Electronics Corporation is a global provider of microcontrollers, combining expertise in embedded processing, analogue and connectivity. Renesas delivers complete semiconductor solutions that accelerate the time to market for automotive and industrial applications.

Together, these companies enable billions of connected devices. GlobalFoundries now manufactures semiconductors for the top three automotive microcontroller manufacturers globally.

Integrating advanced process technology platforms

Renesas will gain further access to the specific technology portfolio of GlobalFoundries, including FDX, BCD and feature-rich CMOS technologies.

These platforms include non-volatile memory features which are vital for supporting power devices and microcontrollers. The partnership also explores the possibility of porting selected process technologies into the in-house fabrication plants of Renesas in Japan.

This is designed to enhance manufacturing resilience and support future capacity needs as requirements for electrification and AI-driven compute power accelerate.

Foundation of innovation for automotive systems

“This partnership strengthens a proven relationship and underscores GF’s role as a trusted partner for essential semiconductor technologies,” said Tim Breen, CEO of GlobalFoundries.

“The automotive landscape is changing fast. Semiconductors are now the foundation of innovation, powering advanced driver assistance, battery management and secure connectivity.

"These systems demand performance and efficiency under extreme conditions and GF’s differentiated platforms are built for that. We’re focused on delivering what matters most: reliable supply and the technologies that enable the vehicles of tomorrow,” Tim continued.

Meeting global demand for AI compute

“Access to a broader range of GF technologies gives us the flexibility and supply assurance our customers need,” said Hidetoshi Shibata, CEO of Renesas. “This expanded partnership enables a stable, long-term supply of semiconductors while ensuring the highest quality and reliability for our products.

"These capabilities are essential as we deliver advanced solutions, with demand for electrification and connectivity – and the rapidly growing compute requirements driven by AI applications – accelerating worldwide."