Merck has announced plans to invest over EUR70 million(US$72.53 million) to construct a new advanced materials development center (AMDC) at its Shizuoka site in Japan. This latest investment brings Merck's total investment in the Shizuoka site to over JPY120 million since 2021.
The new AMDC will feature a 5,500-square-meter facility with cutting-edge cleanrooms and advanced laboratories. The facility is designed with scalability in mind to accommodate future expansions to meet evolving industry demands.
Accelerating innovation for chip advancement
Building upon its established Patterning Center of Excellence in Shizuoka, Merck's new AMDC will enable the development of cutting-edge solutions for the latest semiconductor nodes and innovative materials that meet stringent environmental standards. Through the expansion of facilities and consolidation of critical R&D activities, Merck aims to accelerate innovation, improve efficiency, and better support customer needs.
"The construction of the new AMDC at our Shizuoka site reflects our strategic commitment to innovation and our confidence in Japan's semiconductor industry as a vital contributor to the global market," said Kevin Gorman, SVP and head of patterning solutions at Merck.
"As a pioneer in patterning materials innovation, this investment enhances our ability to deliver Materials Intelligence to our customers worldwide, supporting the growth of the semiconductor industry both in Japan and globally."
Deepening industry partnerships
Japan is a key market for Merck's Patterning business. In addition to serving major customers, Merck has established strong partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers. These collaborations have been instrumental in tackling some of the industry's most complex challenges. The company remains committed to further enhancing these relationships to advance the technology roadmap.
Advancing sustainable chip technologies
The AMDC aligns with Merck's dedication to advancing chip technologies and promoting sustainable innovation. By focusing on cutting-edge materials and solutions, such as EUV (Extreme Ultra Violet) materials and DSA (Directed Self Assembly), the AMDC aims to address environmental challenges while meeting the demands of next-generation applications, including AI chips and advanced nodes.
"At Merck, our Patterning business powers next-generation semiconductor applications," said Tomohide Katayama, head of core product R&D, Formulations at Merck. "Research at the new AMDC will involve exploring alternative materials and technological solutions that support sustainable manufacturing practices and deliver the high performance our customers expect."
Through these efforts, Merck is expanding its technological capabilities to contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future for the semiconductor industry.
The new AMDC is expected to commence operations in 2026, further reinforcing Merck's commitment to driving technological advancement and supporting the industry's growth.
