- The company will commence commercial production in the first quarter of FY2025-26
- Suchi Semicon is in advanced discussions to onboard a strategic technology partner as part of its mission to enhance its capabilities and drive innovation
- With the completion of a $100 Million investment running at full capacity, the plant will produce up to 3 million semiconductor chips daily
- Industry-academia partnership to churn out industry-ready graduates: Shetal Mehta
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
SURAT, DEC 17
Union Minister CR Paatil on Sunday inaugurated Gujarat’s first Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) plant set up by Suchi Semicon in Surat, a significant step towards enhancing India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi bails Such Semicon
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Suchi Semicon on the opening of the OSAT plant, appreciating the company’s contribution to making India self-reliant in semiconductor manufacturing. In alignment with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, this initiative aims to reduce India’s dependency on imported semiconductors while strengthening the country’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The establishment of this facility in Gujarat further positions the state as a growing hub for high-tech manufacturing, fostering innovation and technological growth.
Following the inauguration, Suchi Semicon proudly showcased its semiconductor chip, labeled “Made in India,” highlighting its contribution to India’s self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing. With a $100 million investment, the plant, once at full capacity, will produce up to 3 million semiconductor chips daily. The company is also in advanced discussions to onboard a strategic technology partner to further enhance its capabilities and drive innovation. Engineered for rapid scaling, this facility is poised to meet the growing demand for semiconductors in both domestic and global markets, positioning India as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Established in July 2023, Suchi Semicon was founded by Ashok Mehta and Shetal Mehta.
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil said, “India is on a transformative path towards becoming a global technology hub, and initiatives like the Suchi Semicon OSAT plant are key to realizing this vision.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Mehta, Chairman of Suchi Semicon, said, “Our journey into the semiconductor industry began with a humble 30-year background in textiles, but seeing the growing gap in India’s semiconductor capabilities inspired us to take this leap. India has long been dependent on imports for its semiconductor needs, and this gap presented a clear opportunity for us to make a meaningful contribution. Starting with 300,000 pieces a day, we are laying the foundation for long-term growth, including plans to scale production and explore semiconductor design in the future. Our goal is not just to manufacture chips but also to drive innovation in the Indian semiconductor ecosystem. This facility will help us reduce supply chain delays, lower logistical costs, and support the development of a self-sustaining semiconductor industry in India.”
We will form a strong research and development team: Ashok Mehta
“This plant features advanced Class 10,000 and 100,000 cleanroom environments and will create up to 1,200 jobs over the next five years. It is approved under Gujarat’s Electronic policy and submitted under the India Semiconductor Mission, marking a significant step towards India’s self-reliance in technology manufacturing. Surat and Gujarat are strategically positioned to support the growth of this ecosystem, with a skilled talent pool and strong local partnerships. We will form a strong research and development team to step up innovation and also to keep pace with the global players.” he added.
Our business plan is not primarily for incentives: Ashok Mehta
Ashok Mehta said, “Though the company has applied for the Centre’s incentive under SPECS (Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors) and the India Semiconductor Mission, it does not want to hold on to production for the sake of incentives. We have a full proof business plan. Our business plan is not primarily for incentives. We have set up a plant to do business. The Centre’s approval will come when we meet their requirements. We have also tied up with Punjab National Bank for credit facility. We will begin trial-run from January 2025.”
Suchi Semicon co-founder Shetal Mehta said the commercial shipment of the semiconductors will start in the first quarter of next year.
Industry-academia partnership to churn out industry-ready graduates: Shetal Mehta
When asked about the availability of manpower, Shetal Mehta said that the company has a team of 60 people, with some of them having vast experience in the semiconductor space.
“We already have a team of over 60 people, including expats, and we are hiring regularly. We are also training more employees before we scale up our production. We have partnered with Gujarat Technological University and Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, to develop a skilled workforce for the sector. IIT Gandhinagar, and many private universities have also been evolving their curriculum to meet the industry needs.”
Vendor speaks
Talking with this correspondent, two senior officials of Malaysia-based Precision Tool Tech Sdn Bhd said, “We have been associated with many Indian industries, especially in Gujarat. We also regularly take part in the semicon conferences organized by the Gujarat Science and Technology Department. We eagerly await the next meet to be held in March 2025.”
The inauguration was attended by approximately 600 dignitaries, including Gujarat’s Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi , IAS Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat; IAS Manish Gurwani, Managing Director, Gujarat State Electronics/Biotechnology Mission; Ishwar Parmar, MLA from Bardoli; Bhavini Ben Patel, Pramukh of Surat Jila Panchayat; Dr. Veerappan V.V., Chairman, IESA; A.S. Mehta, President of JK Paper.; Prithviraj Kothari, Chairman of JITO Apex; Vijay Bhandari, President of JITO Apex; Himanshu Shah, Vice Chairman of JITO Apex; and Inder Jain, Chairman of JATF, along with other key figures from the state’s semiconductor and manufacturing sectors.
