Taipei, May 9 -- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., on Friday, announced plans to establish a joint venture in Kumamoto, Japan, to develop and produce next-generation image sensors.

According to a report by Focus Taiwan, the two companies signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate the partnership. Under the proposed terms, Sony held a majority controlling stake in the new joint venture. The project focused on building dedicated development and production lines within Sony's newly constructed fabrication plant located in Koshi City, Kumamoto.

"Sony has been our long-time partner in the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensor business," the re...