Kaohsiung, Taiwan – German science and technology leader Merck Group officially opened its new mega site dedicated to AI Semiconductor Materials. The inauguration took place on December 1, 2025. This facility is a significant step aimed at meeting the burgeoning future demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The project represents a substantial investment in cutting-edge technology and the critical AI Semiconductor Materials sector.
A New Hub for Advanced AI Semiconductor Materials
The state-of-the-art facility is located in Kaohsiung. It covers 15 hectares, or 150,000 square meters. This makes it Merck’s largest semiconductor materials campus globally. The site focuses on critical AI Semiconductor Materials. These include thin films, specialty gases, and formulated materials. These are essential for next-generation logic, memory, and artificial intelligence chips. Construction took five years. The total investment reached 500 million euros. This is about US$580 million, bolstering the Taiwan semiconductor industry.
Powering the AI Revolution with Advanced AI Semiconductor Materials
Merck’s new site is designed for innovation, accelerating the development of advanced chips. These chips are vital for the growing AI market. Kai Beckmann, deputy chair of Merck’s executive board, spoke at the event. He emphasized the site’s role in enabling next-generation chip innovation. The demand for AI technologies is increasing rapidly. This facility, focusing on AI Semiconductor Materials, is crucial for meeting that trend. It directly supports the development of more powerful artificial intelligence chips.
Strengthening Taiwan’s Semiconductor Ecosystem with AI Semiconductor Materials
This new mega site plays a key role in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. It significantly strengthens the island’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. Deputy Economics Minister Cynthia Kiang attended the inauguration. She noted that Merck’s facility fills a critical gap in the supply of essential AI Semiconductor Materials. Taiwan’s semiconductor materials sector is now more complete. The site will create over 150 high-tech jobs. Furthermore, it will boost local talent development and support overall industrial growth. Merck has a long history in Taiwan, operating there for over 35 years. This investment by Merck Kaohsiung site deepens its commitment to the region and the advancement of AI Semiconductor Materials.
Merck’s Global Strategy and Local Impact on AI Semiconductor Materials
Kai Beckmann highlighted Merck’s strategy, focusing on staying close to customers and their roadmaps for AI Semiconductor Materials. This investment reinforces Merck’s position. Taiwan is a strategically vital semiconductor hub. John Lee, Merck Taiwan Chairman, pointed out a materials shortage. Taiwan leads in wafer foundry. However, upstream materials, particularly for next-generation semiconductors, were insufficient. Merck will now be a key supplier of these crucial AI Semiconductor Materials. This localization enhances semiconductor supply chain resilience and improves controllability. The “local-for-local” approach supports customer product development cycles for advanced chip manufacturing. This news is important trending technology news, showcasing the critical role of AI Semiconductor Materials.
Sustainable and Smart Manufacturing for AI Semiconductor Materials
The Kaohsiung site incorporates advanced features. It is built to LEED Gold standards. Digital twin technology enhances precision and efficiency in producing AI Semiconductor Materials. Predictive maintenance is also supported. Renewable energy sources offset 50% of its annual electricity consumption. This reflects Merck’s commitment to sustainability as part of its Merck global strategy. The company aims to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Future Outlook for AI Semiconductor Materials
The mega site is set to begin production in 2026. Merck’s investment is part of its “Level Up” program. This program has seen over 3 billion euros invested globally in essential materials. The Kaohsiung facility is a major milestone for the production of AI Semiconductor Materials. It ensures Merck remains a leader in semiconductor materials. It also supports Taiwan’s ambition to lead in future technology. This development solidifies the region’s competitive edge in advanced chip manufacturing. It is a significant win for the global technology sector and the future of AI Semiconductor Materials.
