Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s Response to Recent Earthquake
Recently, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a global semiconductor giant, swiftly responded to Taiwan’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake to ensure minimal disruptions to its operations.
Evacuation and Minimal Damages
Although TSMC evacuated its workers as a precautionary measure, the company reported no major damages to its chip foundries. Operations resumed within hours of the earthquake and aftershocks.
Swift Recovery Efforts
To safeguard its operations, TSMC made swift attempts to protect its facilities and equipment. Despite some tools sustaining minor damages, 70% of tools were back online within 10 hours of the earthquake. Major tools essential for chip-making remained unaffected.
Learnings from Past Events
TSMC learned valuable lessons from the aftermath of the 1999 earthquake, leading to the strengthening of its infrastructure with seismic-resistant measures. These measures included seismic coefficient enhancements, additional anchors on equipment, and the implementation of dampers to mitigate seismic energy.
Enhanced Disaster Preparedness
Incremental infrastructure improvements and the installation of an Earthquake Early Warning System have further enhanced TSMC’s disaster preparedness. This proactive approach has positioned TSMC to respond effectively to seismic challenges.
Overall Impact and Recovery
TSMC’s earthquake response aligns with Taiwan’s efforts to fortify infrastructure and disaster response capabilities. Despite disruptions to power supply for over 300,000 households, swift restoration efforts ensured a quick recovery within hours.
