Key Takeaways
- Air Liquide has launched the world’s largest molybdenum manufacturing plant in Hwaseong, South Korea.
- The new facility will supply advanced materials, specifically ultra-high purity molybdenum, aimed at semiconductor manufacturers.
- Air Liquide plans to expand its manufacturing presence with a site in the U.S. by 2025, following an existing plant in Japan.
New Molybdenum Plant Launch
Air Liquide has inaugurated a new molybdenum manufacturing facility in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. This plant, the largest of its kind globally, is set to supply leading semiconductor firms with its innovative advanced materials offering, SubleemTM. The offering includes ultra-high purity molybdenum molecules and unique proprietary distribution systems, marking Air Liquide’s commitment to technological leadership in the semiconductor space through large-volume supply.
SubleemTM has been specifically developed in collaboration with semiconductor manufacturers and supports the industry’s shift towards molybdenum as a viable alternative to traditional materials like tungsten. This transition is essential for creating next-generation advanced memory and logic chips, particularly those driven by AI technologies.
The new facility reinforces Air Liquide’s position as a leader in advanced materials for the semiconductor industry. It underscores the company’s ability to deliver high-volume manufacturing and efficient distribution, thereby offering customers rapid access to critical solutions. Besides the plant in South Korea, Air Liquide currently operates a production unit in Japan and plans to establish another manufacturing site in the United States by the end of 2025 to meet escalating market demands.
Armelle Levieux, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee overseeing Electronics activities, emphasized the company’s commitment to support semiconductor manufacturing. She noted that Air Liquide’s presence in major semiconductor hubs, combined with its innovation expertise, allows for the prompt development and market introduction of essential technological solutions for the next generation of chips.
In 2024, Air Liquide’s Electronics business line anticipates generating €2,510 million in revenue. This division is recognized for its design, manufacturing, and supply of ultra-high purity gases and advanced materials to the semiconductor, photovoltaics, and flat-panel display sectors. With over 4,000 employees worldwide, Air Liquide strives to provide the agility and reliability necessary for its customers’ success.
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