Micron plans $9.6 billion HBM fab in Japan as AI memory race accelerates

Micron is preparing a major expansion of its Hiroshima operations to build a dedicated high-bandwidth memory (HBM) facility, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. The report says the company intends to invest 1.5 trillion yen — US$9.6 billion — in a new plant on its existing site, with construction scheduled to begin in May next year. Shipments would follow around 2028. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is expected to contribute up to 500 billion yen in subsidies to support…