Linde has announced a significant expansion of its long-standing partnership with Samsung as the primary industrial gas supplier for its semiconductor manufacturing complex in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The industrial gas giant revealed today that it will substantially increase its supply of ultra-high-purity atmospheric, process, and specialty gases to the world-class facility, a critical hub for semiconductor production.

Building upon its existing robust infrastructure at the Pyeongtaek complex, which already includes multiple on-site gas production facilities, Linde has secured a new agreement that will see the construction, ownership, and operation of an eighth on-site air separation unit (ASU). This new ASU will be dedicated to producing essential gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, all crucial for various stages of semiconductor manufacturing. Furthermore, Linde will augment its supply by providing hydrogen sourced from its already established on-site hydrogen production capabilities. The expanded gas supply is slated to commence by mid-2026, further bolstering Samsung's production capacity.

The Pyeongtaek semiconductor complex is a cornerstone of Samsung's global operations, renowned for its advanced manufacturing processes and high-volume output. The consistent and reliable supply of ultra-high-purity industrial gases is paramount to the intricate and demanding nature of semiconductor fabrication. Impurities in these gases, even at minute levels, can severely impact the quality and yield of semiconductor chips. Linde's commitment to providing gases that meet the stringent purity standards of the industry is therefore integral to Samsung's success.

This latest development underscores the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between Linde and Samsung in South Korea, a collaboration that spans over four decades. B.S. Sung, President of Linde Korea, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, "Today’s announcement further consolidates Linde’s 45-year track record of safely and reliably supplying industrial gases to Samsung in South Korea. Pyeongtaek is Linde's single largest site for an electronics customer worldwide, and we are proud to have been selected once again to support Samsung’s growth."

Sung further highlighted Linde's technological prowess in meeting these demanding requirements. "Linde’s advanced technology is designed to ensure our gases meet the high purity standards required for semiconductor manufacturing. We look forward to continuing to deliver innovative solutions to support this world-class facility." The construction of the new ASU signifies a substantial investment by Linde in the region, demonstrating its confidence in the continued growth and strategic importance of Samsung's Pyeongtaek operations within the global semiconductor landscape.

This expansion comes at a crucial time for the semiconductor industry, which continues to experience strong demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and the proliferation of electronic devices.