Samsung Electronics has received crucial temporary approval to commence limited operations at its new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, Texas. This development marks a significant milestone in the tech giant’s efforts to begin producing Tesla’s next-generation AI chips within the United States.
Samsung Clears Initial Operations Hurdle
According to a report from Korea JoongAng Daily, Samsung Electronics has successfully obtained temporary certificates of occupancy (TCOs) for a section of its semiconductor plant in Taylor. This enables the facility to start operations ahead of its full completion later this year. City officials have confirmed that approximately 88,000 square feet of Samsung’s Fab 1 building have received this temporary approval, with plans for additional areas to follow. The timeline for permitting the remaining sections of the plant is still under finalization.
The Taylor facility is slated to manufacture Tesla’s AI5 chips once mass production commences in the latter half of the year. Additionally, the plant will produce Tesla’s upcoming AI6 chips. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently indicated that the design for the AI5 chip is nearing completion, with development for the AI6 already in progress. Musk has previously detailed an ambitious roadmap, targeting nine-month design cycles for successive generations of Tesla’s AI chips.
GOOD NEWS 🇺🇸 Samsung Electronics has secured temporary certificates of occupancy (TCO) for its Taylor fab, covering about 88,000 square feet at Fab 1, paving the way for limited operations ahead of full completion scheduled for the second half of this year.
Construction appears… pic.twitter.com/5yiUgKa8NE
Also Read— Ming (@tslaming) February 6, 2026
Samsung’s U.S. Expansion Progresses
Construction at the Taylor site is reportedly proceeding on schedule. Industry sources suggest that Samsung plans to begin testing its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment next month, a critical step for the advanced manufacturing of 2-nanometer semiconductors. By the end of this year, Samsung is expected to complete 6 million square feet of floor space at the site, with an additional 1 million square feet planned for development by 2028. The comprehensive campus spans over 1,200 acres.
Beyond its collaboration with Tesla, Samsung Foundry is actively seeking additional U.S. customers amidst a surge in demand for AI and high-performance computing chips. Company executives have expressed their aim for over 130% growth in 2-nanometer chip orders this year. Meanwhile, TSMC, a major competitor, is also expanding its presence in the United States, with reports indicating potential expansion of its Arizona facility to house up to eleven plants. TSMC is also anticipated to be a producer of Tesla’s AI5 chips.