Merck launches Korean plant to supply molybdenum for next-gen memory chips

Merck Electronics announced the opening of a semiconductor-materials plant in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, dedicated to producing molybdenum dioxide dichloride, a key chemical for depositing ultrathin metal layers in chip fabrication. The facility aims to supply Korean and broader Asian chipmakers, especially for advanced 3D NAND flash memory that stacks cells vertically to boost capacity. Samsung Electronics adopted molybdenum in its ninth-generation V-NAND in 2024, and SK hynix is expected to introduce the metal in its upcoming 375-layer NAND.

Merck will pair precursor production in Eumseong with chemical-delivery equipment made at its Ansan site, achieving over 99% material utilisation and reducing waste. Executives highlighted the importance of local supply for rapid market response and noted that advanced packaging also faces capacity constraints. The plant is part of Merck’s broader €600 million investment programme launched in 2021.