Air Liquide will invest €200 million in Hiroshima gas plants to support semiconductor expansion, strengthening its role in AI-driven chip production.
Air Liquide S.A., headquartered in Paris, has entered into a long-term agreement to strengthen its presence in Japan’s rapidly growing semiconductor sector. As part of this initiative, the company will construct, own, and operate two advanced industrial gas production plants in Hiroshima. These facilities are being developed to support the expansion of a major global semiconductor manufacturer, reflecting the increasing global demand for high-performance chips. The total investment for this project is estimated at approximately 200 million euros, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting technological advancement and industrial growth in the region.
The new plants are scheduled to become operational by the end of 2028. Once completed, they will supply substantial quantities of ultra-high purity gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. These gases play a vital role in semiconductor manufacturing, where even the smallest impurity can compromise the performance and reliability of microchips. Maintaining extremely clean and controlled environments is essential for producing advanced semiconductors used in cutting-edge applications, including Artificial Intelligence technologies. By delivering these critical resources, Air Liquide will help ensure that semiconductor manufacturers can meet the industry’s strict quality and performance standards.
Air Liquide’s involvement in Japan’s semiconductor industry is not new. The company has built a strong presence over the past four decades, operating 78 facilities dedicated to its Electronics activities across the country. Among these is an Advanced Materials Center located in Tsukuba, which focuses on developing innovative materials for the semiconductor sector. In addition, the company inaugurated the Innovation Campus Tokyo in 2019, which serves as a hub for research and development. This center is primarily dedicated to identifying and developing new molecules and solutions that can enable the production of next-generation chips.
Beyond Japan, Air Liquide has also been expanding its footprint in other key semiconductor markets, including Taiwan. These strategic expansions demonstrate the company’s broader ambition to play a central role in the global semiconductor supply chain. By investing in infrastructure and innovation, Air Liquide aims to support semiconductor manufacturers as they scale up production to meet increasing demand driven by emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and advanced electronics.
This latest investment further strengthens Air Liquide’s position as a trusted partner for semiconductor companies, particularly in Asia. The company’s ability to combine advanced industrial solutions with long-standing customer relationships enables it to effectively support large-scale manufacturing expansions. As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve and grow, Air Liquide’s contributions will be instrumental in facilitating the production of next-generation chips that power modern technologies.
Ronnie Chalmers, Vice President of the Air Liquide Group responsible for Asia-Pacific operations, emphasized the importance of this development. He noted that the project demonstrates the company’s capability to keep pace with the rapid expansion of semiconductor customers and their investments in advanced technologies. He also highlighted Japan’s long-standing leadership in the semiconductor industry, dating back to the 1980s, and its continued importance as a global technology hub. According to Chalmers, Air Liquide’s expertise and commitment to quality, safety, and reliability enable the company to meet the demanding requirements of its customers while supporting innovation in the semiconductor field.
