Officials of Japanese semiconductor maker Rapidus said on Monday that construction of a plant they are building in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido is proceeding on schedule.

They expect to begin trial production of one of the world's most advanced microchips in April next year.

Work began on the foundations of the plant in Chitose City in September and the company says that was close to being completed last month.

Rapidus says about 15 percent of the construction work has been done so far. It says the framework of the building should be finished in the spring, and the plant is expected to be completed in December.

The company aims to manufacture 2-nanometer chips. That's a size no other maker in the world has commercialized.

On Monday, Rapidus opened an office in Chitose where staff will focus on promoting cooperation with local companies and hiring workers.

Higashi Tetsuro, Chairman of Rapidus, said at the opening ceremony that they are aiming to make the plant a manufacturing hub not only for Japan, but also the world.