Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 30, BASF SE, based in Ludwigshafen, Germany, has announced plans to expand its production capacity for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, a critical ultra-pure chemical used in advanced semiconductor chip manufacturing. The new facility, located at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site, will incorporate state-of-the-art purity technologies to meet rising demand across Europe. Operations are set to begin by 2027, aligning with the capacity expansions of key customers. The investment, valued in the high double-digit million-euro range, strengthens BASF’s role in the semiconductor supply chain.
The expansion responds to growing demand for high-purity chemicals, driven by the construction and expansion of chip manufacturing plants in Europe. A key BASF partner, currently building a new chip production facility in Europe, has accelerated this need. These chips support applications in automotive, mobile communications, and artificial intelligence. BASF’s investment is underpinned by long-term commitments with strategic partners, enhancing supply chain reliability. The company also operates an electronics-grade sulfuric acid plant in China.
Situated within BASF’s integrated Ludwigshafen chemical production complex, the new plant will leverage advanced quality control to deliver chemicals of exceptional purity, essential for sophisticated semiconductor processes. Its proximity to customer operations enables faster response times and reduced delivery lead times, ensuring consistent support for Europe’s semiconductor industry.
Anup Kothari, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, overseeing the Dispersions & Resins division, stated: “We are proud to have earned the trust of key players in the semiconductor sector and to serve them as their partner of choice in establishing the future supply chain for advanced semiconductor materials in Europe. This strategic move underscores BASF’s commitment to supporting the growth of the advanced semiconductor industry in Europe while further leveraging the Ludwigshafen Verbund site.”
BASF is a leading global supplier of high-purity chemicals and specialized formulations for semiconductor manufacturing, offering materials for processes such as cleaning, etching, metal deposition, and chemical mechanical planarization. The Ludwigshafen expansion enhances BASF’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor sector, particularly as Europe strengthens its chip production capabilities.
The new facility will ensure a reliable supply of semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, supporting the production of advanced chips critical to various high-tech industries. By investing in local production, BASF reinforces its commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in Europe’s semiconductor market. The project also builds on BASF’s integrated production model at Ludwigshafen, optimizing efficiency and quality to serve its partners effectively.
This expansion positions BASF to play a pivotal role in Europe’s semiconductor industry growth, delivering high-quality materials to meet the demands of next-generation chip manufacturing while strengthening partnerships across the value chain.
