TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Merck (默克) unveiled its semiconductor technology flagship park in Kaohsiung on Monday (Dec. 1). The facility marks Merck's largest single investment in electronics to date, aiming to meet future demands for AI applications. Spanning 150,000 square meters, the park will produce essential semiconductor materials for next-generation logic, memory, and AI chips, working in tandem with Merck's existing Kaohsiung Plant 1.
Merck invested 500 million euros (approximately NT$17 billion) over the past five years to establish the park's first phase, focusing on crucial AI application materials. Kai Beckmann (貝克曼), Merck's vice chairman, emphasized the company's commitment to flexibility and the introduction of locally produced tech materials in Taiwan. The park's establishment responds to the rising global demand for advanced materials, strengthening supply chain localization, control, and resilience.
Li Chun-lung (李俊隆), chairman of Merck Taiwan, highlighted Taiwan's leading position in wafer foundry but noted a shortage in upstream materials. Li stated that Merck is actively positioning itself as a provider of these upstream materials. Having operated in Taiwan for over 35 years, Merck accelerates chip technology innovation with localized semiconductor material solutions to meet the demands of AI chips.
The new park incorporates multiple critical advanced production lines, supplying thin film materials, specialty gases, and formulated materials through local manufacturing. These materials will be widely applied in deposition, etching, and cleaning processes, enhancing the resilience and flexibility of Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain. The development will also create over 150 high-tech jobs.