ASML Empowering Rapidus 2024 in Hokkaido

Netherlands-based semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML, renowned for its cutting-edge extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines and semiconductor photolithography equipment, has unveiled its strategic initiative to establish a pivotal semiconductor production technology support hub in Hokkaido, Japan's Chitose City region, during the latter half of 2024. This move is strategically aligned with the ambitions of the Rapidus project, which aims to realize the high-volume production of 2-nanometer chips.

ASML's EUV lithography machines play a pivotal role in enabling the commercialization of chips with feature sizes that go beyond the 5-7 nanometer range. In anticipation of supporting Rapidus, which is set to commence 2-nanometer chip trial production in 2025, ASML will deploy approximately 40-50 highly skilled technical professionals to oversee the installation of EUV lithography machines at the new facility, scheduled for the latter part of 2024. These experts will also provide ongoing maintenance support to ensure seamless operations.

The introduction of Rapidus production will mark a significant milestone for Japan, as it becomes the fifth nation globally to incorporate EUV lithography machines into its semiconductor manufacturing arsenal, joining the ranks of the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, and Ireland.

Expanding its footprint in Japan, ASML is actively engaged in facilitating TSMC's endeavors at the Kumamoto plant, where a state-of-the-art 12-inch wafer fabrication facility is taking shape. Notably, ASML strengthened its presence in the region in September 2023 by relocating its technical support center to Kumamoto. This move led to a fourfold increase in engineering staff, bringing the total count to approximately 40 employees. Over the subsequent five years, spanning from 2023 to around 2028, ASML plans to bolster its workforce in Japan by 40%, elevating the total headcount from the present 400 employees to approximately 560.

In parallel to ASML's endeavors, Applied Materials is poised to augment its workforce in Japan by a notable 60%.

Additionally, Lam Research is gearing up to establish a specialized semiconductor equipment logistics hub in Hokkaido to bolster the infrastructure supporting Rapidus.

Meanwhile, Imec, Belgium's premier microelectronics research center, has laid out ambitious plans for the establishment of new hubs in Tokyo and Hokkaido.

The ongoing efforts of Rapidus to construct its manufacturing facility in Chitose City, Hokkaido, are proceeding apace, aimed at facilitating the trial production of 2-nanometer chips slated for 2025. Per Rapidus' architectural blueprints submitted to the Hokkaido government, construction is already underway for the first facility, known as "IIM-1." Spanning an expansive area of roughly 54,000 square meters and towering to a height of approximately 31 meters (inclusive of electrical facilities), this facility boasts a comprehensive utilization area totaling 159,000 square meters.

"IIM-1" is poised to incorporate 2-nanometer chip trial production equipment by December 2024, with trial production operations poised to commence in April 2025.

Notably, plans are underway to reserve the adjacent site for "IIM-2," the second facility. This development is expected to materialize after the successful commencement of 2-nanometer chip production, marking a significant stride in chip manufacturing beyond the 2-nanometer threshold, estimated to occur in 2027.

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