By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, April 5 (Yonhap) — Samsung Electronics Co. plans to more than double its total semiconductor investment in Texas to about $44 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday, as the South Korean chipmaker is expected to win grants under a U.S. initiative to strengthen domestic chip production.

Citing people familiar with the issue, the newspaper said that Samsung is expected to announce its investment plan in Taylor, Texas on April 15. In November 2021, the tech giant announced a plan to build a $17 billion chipmaking factory in the city.

Samsung’s new spending will be centered in Taylor, with the new additions including a new chip-making factory, and a facility for advanced packaging and research and development, according to the daily.

The report came amid expectations that Samsung will receive grants under the 2022 CHIPS Act that sets aside $39 billion in incentives meant to encourage chipmakers to build, expand or modernize semiconductor facilities in the United States.

The Commerce Department plans to invest about $28 billion of the $39 billion fund for leading-edge chipmakers, like Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

Intel Corp., GlobalFoundries, the American subsidiary of BAE Systems Plc and Microchip Technology Inc. have so far been selected as beneficiaries for CHIPS Act grants.