Key Points
- Merck opens a new Spin-on-Dielectric (SOD) application center in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
- The facility will accelerate the development of SOD materials for advanced memory and logic chips, catering to AI-driven demand in the semiconductor market.
- The opening is part of Merck’s 600 million-euro investment plan in Korea by 2025.
- The center enhances Merck’s R&D network and strengthens its support for key clients like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
German technology giant Merck announced the opening of its latest Spin-on-Dielectric (SOD) application center in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, on Thursday. This new facility aims to enhance Merck’s ability to respond quickly to its customers’ needs, particularly in the semiconductor industry. The opening ceremony was attended by senior executives from Merck, alongside key clients Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, two major players in the global semiconductor market.
The new facility is Merck’s second of its kind in Asia and is equipped with cutting-edge technology to measure and analyze SOD materials coated on silicon dioxide films. It will be part of Merck’s global research and development network, supporting its ongoing semiconductor technology innovation efforts. Spin-on-Dielectric (SOD) is a critical material in semiconductor manufacturing, used to insulate and separate different layers of semiconductor devices, enabling the miniaturization and performance enhancement of electronic components.
With the increasing demand for high-performance chips driven by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the semiconductor market, Merck’s new facility will focus on accelerating the development of SOD materials for advanced memory and logic chips. This aligns with the industry’s growing need for more efficient, faster, and smaller semiconductor solutions.
The center’s launch is part of Merck’s commitment to investing 600 million euros ($634 million) in Korea by 2025, a plan first announced in 2021. The company aims to expand its production capacity and boost research and development capabilities in the chip material industry.
“Today’s opening marks another significant step in our journey to drive innovation in the semiconductor industry,” said Kai Beckmann, a member of Merck’s executive board and CEO of the electronics division. “The breakthroughs that will come from this lab will help shape the future of semiconductor technology, allowing us to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the digital world.”
Kim Woo-kyu, managing director of Merck Korea, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting its Korean customers. “This time, we have opened the SOD application center in Korea. It marks a significant part of Merck’s strategy to enhance its capabilities as an innovation and production hub in Korea,” Kim said.
