Merck, a leading science and technology company, announced plans to invest over €70 million in constructing a new Advanced Materials Development Center (AMDC) at its Shizuoka site in Japan. This brings Merck’s total investment in Shizuoka to over €120 million since 2021, reinforcing the company’s commitment to advancing semiconductor technology, expanding R&D capabilities, and supporting the global electronics industry.
The AMDC will feature a 5,500-square-meter facility equipped with state-of-the-art cleanrooms and advanced laboratories. Designed for scalability, the facility will be capable of future expansions to meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor industry.
Enhancing Innovation and Supporting Global Growth
Building on its established Patterning Center of Excellence in Shizuoka, Merck’s new AMDC will develop innovative solutions for the latest semiconductor nodes and environmentally friendly materials. By consolidating critical R&D activities and expanding its facilities, Merck aims to accelerate innovation, boost efficiency, and better meet customer demands.
“Constructing the new AMDC at our Shizuoka site reflects our strategic commitment to innovation and confidence in Japan’s semiconductor industry as a key player in the global market,” said Kevin Gorman, Senior Vice President and Head of Patterning Solutions at Merck. “As pioneers in patterning materials innovation, this investment strengthens our ability to deliver Materials Intelligence™ to customers worldwide, supporting the semiconductor industry’s growth both in Japan and globally.”
Strengthening Collaboration with Industry Partners
Japan represents a crucial market for Merck’s Patterning business. Beyond serving major customers, Merck has forged strong partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers, which have been critical in addressing some of the semiconductor industry’s most complex challenges. The company is committed to deepening these relationships to advance the technology roadmap and further innovation.
Advancing Chip Technologies and Promoting Sustainability
The AMDC aligns with Merck’s focus on driving progress in chip technologies while championing sustainable innovation. The facility will focus on cutting-edge materials and solutions, including EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) materials and DSA (Directed Self-Assembly). These innovations aim to address environmental challenges and cater to the demands of advanced applications such as AI chips and next-generation semiconductor nodes.
“At Merck, our Patterning business powers next-generation semiconductor applications,” said Tomohide Katayama, Head of Core Product R&D, Formulations at Merck. “The work at the new AMDC will explore alternative materials and technological solutions to promote sustainable manufacturing practices while delivering the high performance our customers expect.”
Commitment to a Sustainable and Innovative Future
Through these efforts, Merck is enhancing its technological capabilities to support a more sustainable and innovative semiconductor industry. The AMDC will play a pivotal role in developing materials that meet the high-performance needs of next-generation technologies while adhering to strict environmental standards.
The new AMDC is scheduled to begin operations in 2026, reinforcing Merck’s long-term commitment to technological advancement and supporting the semiconductor industry’s global growth. With this investment, Merck continues to position itself as a leader in providing innovative solutions and sustainable practices for the electronics and semiconductor sectors.
