Samsung Electro-Mechanics is partnering with Japan's Sumitomo Chemical Group to secure key materials for next-generation semiconductor glass substrates.
On July 2, Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced that it has signed a formal agreement to establish a joint venture with Dongwoo Fine-Chem, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Chemical Group, to produce the essential material known as 'glass core.'
The joint venture will be named 'GlaSSEM.' The investment amounts to approximately 480 billion won, with Samsung Electro-Mechanics holding a 66% stake and Dongwoo Fine-Chem holding 34%. The headquarters and production facilities will be located at Dongwoo Fine-Chem's site in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.
Through this joint venture, Samsung Electro-Mechanics aims to enhance its competitiveness in finished glass substrates while also securing a foundation for in-house production of key materials.
The glass core is a crucial component of glass substrates, which are gaining attention as next-generation semiconductor substrates. Compared to traditional plastic substrates, glass substrates have lower thermal expansion rates and superior flatness, making them advantageous for large-area, high-density semiconductor packaging.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics plans to accelerate the commercialization of glass substrates by combining its semiconductor substrate design and manufacturing capabilities with Sumitomo Chemical Group's material technology and Dongwoo Fine-Chem's production infrastructure. GlaSSEM aims to begin full-scale operations in the second half of 2027 after establishing facilities, stabilizing processes, and verifying quality.
Jang Deok-hyun, CEO of Samsung Electro-Mechanics, stated, "The establishment of this joint venture is a strategic choice to proactively secure the core competitiveness of glass core materials. We will maximize the synergy between the two companies to lead the paradigm of the next-generation semiconductor substrate market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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