Sumitomo Chemical ¥100 Billion Investment in Key Semiconductor Materials Sets New Industry Standard

Sumitomo Chemical has announced a significant investment of ¥100 billion to expand its Osaka factory, focusing on advanced semiconductor materials. This initiative aims to enhance the development and mass production evaluation systems for photoresists used in cutting-edge semiconductor processes. The new facilities are expected to come online between 2025 and the first half of 2026, responding to a growing demand from semiconductor manufacturers.

As the trend towards miniaturization and multilayering in semiconductors continues, the ArF photoresist market is projected to expand steadily. Sumitomo Chemical is committed to improving its development capabilities for immersion ArF and thick-film i-line photoresists, investing in advanced exposure equipment compatible with higher resolution requirements.

This investment is part of a broader strategy that includes the ongoing development of next-generation EUV products, such as organic molecular photoresists. The company anticipates that by 2030, its core operating profit in the ICT and mobile solutions sector will reach ¥100 billion.

In recent years, global chemical giants have made significant adjustments to their market strategies amid industrial shifts and the rise of emerging economies. Sumitomo Chemical is strategically investing in key areas while divesting from others, with photoresists being a primary focus. Recent investments include new production lines for immersion ArF and EUV photoresists and the establishment of high-purity chemical production facilities in South Korea.

With the increasing importance of high-end photoresists, Sumitomo's proactive approach positions it well to meet both domestic and global market demands, paving the way for future innovations.