SK Hynix is collaborating with Intel to produce advanced memory chips in the United States. This initiative aims to quickly establish a local supply base to meet the surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors from global tech giants.
According to industry sources and foreign media on September 16, SK Hynix is in discussions to lease some production lines at Intel's semiconductor manufacturing facility under construction in Ohio to produce memory chips. The company is also seriously considering forming a joint venture with major cloud tech firms to jointly operate local production infrastructure.
This move is seen as a strategy to secure a foothold in the U.S. supply chain for high-performance AI memory, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Establishing a new semiconductor fabrication plant typically requires several years and tens of trillions of won in investment, but utilizing Intel's Ohio facility could significantly accelerate the production timeline. This approach is well-suited to respond promptly to the demands of big tech clients in the rapidly changing AI chip market.
By forming a joint venture with big tech partners, SK Hynix can mitigate substantial initial investment risks while ensuring a stable supply of memory for data center construction in the U.S. Intel would also benefit from increased utilization of its Ohio facility and secure funding for its investments.
If SK Hynix begins mass production of memory in the U.S., it will mark the first instance of a South Korean semiconductor company producing advanced memory chips on American soil. This would position the company at the center of the U.S. AI supply chain while allowing for a flexible localization strategy that adapts to the trade environment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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