As major semiconductor-related investments continue to flow into Hokuriku, Professor Yamaguchi Atsushi (山口 敦史) identified the region as an investment destination, citing its water resources and stable electricity supply.
Major semiconductor-related investments are continuing to flow into Hokuriku. NGK has announced plans to invest approximately ¥71.5 billion to build a new plant in Nomi, while efforts are reportedly under way to move TOPPAN's Ishikawa Plant into mass production. Tower Semiconductor has also announced plans to establish semiconductor manufacturing facilities for optical communications in Uozu and elsewhere. These developments are helping Hokuriku strengthen its presence as a semiconductor cluster.
Kanazawa Institute of Technology Professor Yamaguchi Atsushi (山口 敦史) pointed to Hokuriku's abundant water resources and stable electricity supply, saying the region is also well suited from a business continuity planning (BCP) perspective. He also noted that Hokuriku has a concentration of higher-education institutions and that some companies want to leverage talent in the region. Efforts by local governments to attract companies and the availability of large plots of land are also supporting investment.
The establishment last August of the Hokuriku Semiconductor Consortium, which brings together educational institutions and companies from the three Hokuriku prefectures, is another factor behind the trend. Hokuriku is expected to continue strengthening its presence as a cluster for semiconductor-related companies.