German chip chemical supplier Merck to invest 500 million euros in Taiwan

German supplier of chemical compounds and supplies used in making semiconductors, Merck KGaA, introduced on Tuesday it’s to invest 500 million euros in Taiwan over the following 5 to seven years, primarily in semiconductor applied sciences.

Merck mentioned it will be its largest funding in Taiwan because it established operations there in 1989.

“In the previous yr, the business skilled quite a lot of provide chain challenges. Our funding mission will assist to resolve these points,” Kai Beckmann, chief government of the German agency’s electronics unit, instructed a information convention in Taipei through video hyperlink.

“We strengthen our native manufacturing and new capabilities to help fast-growing semiconductor demand in Taiwan but additionally to cater to an rising demand in the remainder of the world,” Beckmann mentioned, including that the funding would develop Merck’s footprint in the island’s southern metropolis of Kaohsiung.

Merck’s announcement follows that of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) final month, when the world’s largest contract chip maker mentioned it’s going to arrange a brand new chip manufacturing unit in Kaohsiung to increase manufacturing amid a worldwide chip scarcity.

“We are very grateful for Merck’s confidence in Taiwan, investing in Taiwan, investing in Taiwan’s democracy, investing in Taiwan’s freedom, investing in Taiwan’s technological growth,” Deputy Economy Minister Chen Chern-Chyi instructed the information convention.

Merck has about 1,000 workers in Taiwan and expects to rent 400 extra on account of the brand new funding.

“Within Merck’s world attain, Taiwan performs a really particular position,” mentioned Jorg Polster, the de facto ambassador for Germany in Taiwan. “As a high-tech heart, it has all the required elements to proceed the success story.”