Merck is making a major strategic move by investing over 70 million Euros (approximately 72.53 million USD) to establish a state-of-the-art advanced materials development center in Shizuoka, Japan. This investment is part of Merck’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its footprint in the region, with the total investment in Shizuoka exceeding JPY120 million since 2021.
The development center will feature a 5,500-square-meter facility equipped with next-generation cleanrooms and advanced laboratories aimed at spurring innovation. Designed with future growth in mind, the facility is scalable to accommodate expanding industry needs.
Merck’s new center builds on its existing Patterning Center of Excellence in Shizuoka and signifies a leap forward in the development of solutions for the latest semiconductor technologies. The facility will focus on creating innovative materials that adhere to stringent environmental standards, thereby accelerating innovation and boosting efficiency to meet customer demands globally.
Kevin Gorman, Merck’s Senior Vice President and head of patterning solutions, emphasized the company’s strategic commitment to innovation and its confidence in Japan’s vital role in the global semiconductor industry. By investing in this new center, Merck enhances its ability to advance Materials Intelligence, crucial for supporting the semiconductor industry’s growth both in Japan and worldwide.
Japan stands as a vital market for Merck’s patterning business, with the company establishing strong partnerships with top equipment manufacturers. These collaborations have proven essential in overcoming complex industry challenges, and Merck is dedicated to strengthening these ties to advance technological progress.
The new advanced materials center aligns with Merck’s mission to promote sustainable innovation in chip technologies. The focus will be on cutting-edge materials and solutions, including EUV (Extreme Ultra Violet) materials and DSA (Directed Self Assembly), addressing environmental concerns while catering to the next wave of technological applications like AI chips and advanced nodes.
Tomohide Katayama, head of core product R&D, Formulations at Merck, emphasized the importance of researching alternative materials and technological solutions that support sustainable manufacturing practices while delivering high performance standards.
By pioneering these efforts, Merck aims to expand its technological capabilities, contributing to a more sustainable and innovative future for the semiconductor industry. The advanced materials development center is scheduled to begin operations in 2026, reaffirming Merck’s commitment to driving technological advancements and supporting industry growth.
