TSMC has announced it is planning to hire about 30 percent more R&D engineers, and 15 percent of them will get the job before the end of the year.

Jason Chen, VP of global sales and marketing, says TSMC currently employs some 1,200 engineers tasked with R&D work.

"There has been no slowdown in our research efforts despite the economic slowdown, and we'll continue to push forward on that front," claims Chen.

TSMC plans to expand into other businesses outside its core foundry business, and the influx of R&D people is a clear indication it is serious about its plans.

More here.