European chip-related companies making Korea investments

FILE PHOTO: ASML Holding logo is seen at company's headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Januari 23, 2019. REUTERS/Eva Plevier/File Photo

European chip equipment makers will build new manufacturing and research facilities in Korea, the home base of key clients.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy detailed the investment plans Friday after a visit to Germany and the Netherlands by ministry officials on Oct. 11 through 13.

ASM International, an Almere, Netherlands-based supplier of semiconductor deposition machines, will invest $10 million to establish either a manufacturing or a research center. Details about the location were not provided. ASM, which specializes in the production of atomic layers for wafers, jointly created ASML, the world’s largest lithography machine maker, in 1984.

The ministry met with ASML executives to discuss an ongoing 240 billion won ($168 million) project that involves the building of a training and repair center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi.

Carl Zeiss, a German manufacturer of optical systems used in lithography machines, will make a $10 million investment in Korea, although the type of facility and location have not been decided yet.

The ministry discussed with KSB, a German maker of industrial valves and pumps, the potential expansion of its existing manufacturing and research sites in Korea.

With the expansion, Korean shipbuilders could benefit because it will ensure an increased supply of essential components for building liquefied hydrogen plants and carriers, according to the ministry.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]