Strengthening our position in Electronics
Vision
The rapid development of digital technologies has never had so much momentum. Artificial intelligence, 5G and smart devices (Internet of Things) are revolutionizing science, industry and our everyday lives. Semiconductors are at the heart of this revolution; their shortage during the Covid-19 pandemic almost paralyzed several industrial sectors. Their large-scale and secure supply has therefore become a global and geostrategic issue. In response, manufacturers are investing the equivalent of 100 billion dollars every year(1) in this sector. The market is estimated to be worth 1,000 billion dollars by 2030(2), double the current market valuation. This growth is being driven by the introduction of major government plans that are specifically focused on semiconductors, such as the Chips Acts in the United States and Europe. Air Liquide is contributing to this powerful dynamic by providing the largest semiconductor manufacturers with support for their development, both technological and geographic, with the ultimate goal of consolidating its leadership position.
35% of projects in investment backlog are in the Electronics sector
Action
To strengthen its position in the global market of molecules and services for the electronics industry, Air Liquide has increased its investments in Asia, where it has been the leading supplier of industrial gases for the electronics industry for 30 years. Hundreds of millions of dollars were invested in the construction of two advanced materials production centers to support the development of Taiwanese and South Korean semiconductor giants. By establishing these production centers in the immediate vicinity of its customers’ plants, Air Liquide is improving competitiveness and the collaborative development and production of new cutting-edge molecules that are vital to the manufacture of more complex, more compact and more powerful semiconductors. This approach ensures continuity of supply while fostering innovation through constant communication. At the same time, the Group and its customers are reducing the environmental impact of their plants by limiting the number of kilometers covered during transport. This approach is welcomed by our customers, who are no longer dependent on global supply chains.
(1) SEMI.
(2) SEMI FORECAST, Semicon Japan December 2023.