Merck announced on the 20th that it plans to invest more than 70 million euros (about 105 billion won) for the establishment of a new advanced materials development center (AMDC) in the Shizuoka region of Japan.
Merck aims to strengthen its research and development capabilities in semiconductor technology through the establishment of the AMDC, which will enhance advanced patterning technology, among others. Patterning corresponds to the semiconductor front-end process of creating circuits on a wafer.
According to Merck, if the AMDC is expanded at the existing patterning specialized center in Shizuoka, it will enable the development of cutting-edge solutions and innovative materials for the latest semiconductor nodes.
The AMDC is planned to cover an area of 5,500 square meters equipped with state-of-the-art clean rooms and advanced research spaces, and it is expected to begin operations in 2026.
Kevin Gohman, senior vice president at Merck, said, "This investment will enhance Merck's capability to provide material intelligence and support the growth of the global semiconductor industry."
Meanwhile, with this investment, Merck's total investment in the Shizuoka region will exceed 120 million euros since the first investment in 2021.