ASE launches its largest expansion ever: six new factories debut this year, with CPO mass production starting simultaneously.

```

The world's largest semiconductor packaging and testing company, ASE Holdings, is advancing the largest capacity expansion in its history.

According to media reports on the 10th, the company will begin construction of six new plants globally this year, with capital expenditure originally set at $7 billion and still room for an increase; meanwhile, mass production of Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) will officially launch this year, marking a comprehensive acceleration in the company's deployment amid the surge in AI-driven hardware manufacturing demands.

ASE Holdings CEO Wu Tianyu recently presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the new plant in Renwu, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and made statements regarding the company’s overall expansion plans. According to reports, Wu Tianyu stated that six new plants will simultaneously break ground worldwide this year, and 2026 will be the largest year for plant construction in ASE’s history.

Against the backdrop of rapid expansion in the AI industry chain, Wu Tianyu pointed out that manufacturing capacity has already become a major bottleneck. He revealed that the company's capital expenditure this year was originally set at $7 billion, but due to strong demand, there is still room for upward adjustment; the specific adjustment will be disclosed in the upcoming investor briefing. Additionally, Wu Tianyu publicly stated for the first time that CPO will begin mass production this year.

Renwu base invests over NT$100 billion; six plants break ground this year

According to reports, ASE plans to invest over NT$108.3 billion in the Renwu base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The first phase is expected to start operations in April 2027, and the second phase is planned to follow in October of the same year.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Wu Tianyu emphasized that the demand for hardware manufacturing expansion triggered by the AI wave has created a significant bottleneck in the industry, so ASE is advancing simultaneous expansion on a global scale. Six new plants will break ground this year, setting the company's record for the largest number of plants started in a single year.

Regarding capital expenditure, Wu Tianyu clearly stated that with continued strong market demand, the planned annual expenditure of $7 billion still has room for upward revision; the specific adjustment will be detailed at the latest investor briefing.

First disclosure: CPO mass production this year; large-scale commercialization depends on the market

When asked about the progress of Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and silicon photonics technology, Wu Tianyu publicly disclosed for the first time that CPO will officially begin mass production this year, and he defined the rise of optical communications as "an undeniable trend."

However, Wu Tianyu also admitted that the timeline for CPO to achieve significant economic benefits and widespread global application ultimately depends on market dynamics.

Regarding market rumors that ASE may acquire some facility buildings from panel manufacturer Innolux, Wu Tianyu stated that any relevant developments would be disclosed externally via major information announcements in accordance with regulations, and did not give a direct response to the rumors.

As for deployment in the U.S. market, Wu Tianyu revealed that the company is currently actively negotiating with major clients regarding expansion plans in the United States, and relevant developments will be announced in due course. ASE has not yet provided further details on the timetable or scale for building in the U.S.

Risk warning and disclaimerThe market carries risks, and investments should be approached cautiously. This article does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it take into account the individual investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of users. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their particular situation. Investments based on this are at your own risk. ```