TSMC's new chip plant in Taichung is being built faster than planned, good news for the company, local jobs, and Taiwan's grip on advanced chipmaking.

• Construction of the 1.4-nanometer factory in the Central Taiwan Science Park is stable and ahead of schedule.
• The first building is already at the steel-frame stage, the second is on foundation work, and later phases are still clearing permits.
• The finished site is expected to create 4,500 jobs.
• Water and power for the expanded plant are the main worry, with recycled water and renewable energy on the table.
• Taichung's city government says it will help clear obstacles, including pushing central-government approvals along.

Outlook: Building continues through the coming phases, with water, electricity, and construction safety the issues most likely to slow things down.