Semiconductor – PM Modi to Launch Major Chip Facility in Sanand
Semiconductor – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a state-of-the-art semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging facility in Sanand on Saturday, marking a notable milestone in the country’s drive to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing. The new unit forms part of India’s broader push to reduce dependence on imports and build a robust electronics supply chain under the National Semiconductor Mission.
A Strategic Investment in Chip Manufacturing
The Sanand plant has been developed by Micron Semiconductor Technology India Pvt. Ltd. with an investment of Rs 22,516 crore. The project represents one of the largest commitments in India’s emerging semiconductor sector and is expected to play a key role in positioning Gujarat as a leading hub for advanced electronics manufacturing.
State officials have indicated that the project was completed within its planned schedule, reflecting coordinated efforts between the company and the Gujarat government to fast-track infrastructure and approvals.
Employment and Inclusive Workforce Plans
At present, around 2,000 employees are working at the facility. Company representatives said that workforce expansion plans are already in place, with direct employment expected to rise to nearly 5,000 in the coming years.
The company has also highlighted its inclusive hiring practices. People with disabilities are currently employed as operators and technicians at the plant. Officials stated that individuals with relevant technical skills are being encouraged to apply, underscoring efforts to create accessible employment opportunities within high-technology manufacturing.
Focus on Memory and Storage Solutions
The Sanand unit will handle the assembly, testing, marking and packaging of semiconductor memory products destined for global markets. These include solid-state drives and memory components such as DRAM and NAND devices, which are essential in a wide range of electronic systems.
Sanjay Mehrotra, President and Chief Executive Officer of Micron Technology, emphasised the growing importance of memory and storage technologies in the modern digital landscape. He noted that advanced computing applications, especially those powered by Artificial Intelligence, rely heavily on high-performance memory systems to process data quickly and efficiently.
According to Mehrotra, as AI-driven platforms increasingly deliver real-time responses, the need for faster and more reliable memory infrastructure continues to rise worldwide.
From Sand to Silicon Chips
The semiconductor manufacturing chain feeding into the Sanand ATMP facility begins with silicon, derived from purified sand. The material is melted and formed into cylindrical ingots, which are then sliced into extremely thin wafers.
Inside fabrication plants, intricate electronic circuits are etched onto these wafers through a process known as photolithography. Multiple layers are added to create transistors and complex memory architectures. Once this fabrication stage is complete, the wafers are cut into individual chips.
These chips are then transported to the Sanand plant for the final stages of production. At the ATMP facility, they undergo assembly and are rigorously tested for speed, performance and memory capacity. Only after meeting specified standards are they marked and packaged for shipment to global customers.
Strengthening India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
The Sanand facility will process advanced DRAM and NAND wafers produced at Micron’s international manufacturing sites and convert them into finished memory products ready for distribution. Company officials said the output is aimed at serving international markets while contributing to the steady growth of India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Industry observers view the project as a significant addition to the country’s electronics manufacturing base. With increasing global demand for memory and storage components—particularly those used in AI systems, data centres and consumer electronics—the facility is expected to enhance India’s role in the global semiconductor value chain.
The inauguration signals a broader shift toward high-value technology manufacturing in India, supported by policy initiatives and substantial private investment. As the sector develops, projects like the Sanand ATMP plant are likely to shape the country’s ambitions to become a competitive player in advanced semiconductor production.