Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 27, Asahi Kasei, a diversified global manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has announced plans to expand production capacity for its PIMEL™ photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) at the Fuji City facility in Shizuoka Prefecture. PSPI is widely used in the semiconductor industry for buffer coatings and passivation layers. By 2030, the company aims to double its current output, strengthening its position as a key supplier to the global semiconductor sector.

The expansion comes as the semiconductor industry enters a new growth phase. Consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal projects global semiconductor revenue will exceed US$1 trillion by the mid-2030s. Asahi Kasei expects demand for advanced semiconductor interlayer insulation materials to grow at an annual average rate of 8%. To meet this demand, the company completed a new PIMEL™ production plant in Fuji City in December 2024 and has now committed to further capacity expansion at the same site. The project will involve an investment of approximately ¥16 billion and is intended to reinforce the resilience of the semiconductor materials supply chain.

PIMEL™ plays multiple roles in semiconductor manufacturing. It is applied as buffer coatings that enhance adhesion between semiconductor layers and provide protection against mechanical stress and contamination during assembly. The material also serves as passivation layers for bumping, preventing surface damage and oxidation. Furthermore, it is used in redistribution layers (RDL), which enable optimized electrical connections, high-density circuit layouts, and package integration. These characteristics have made PIMEL™ critical to semiconductor production and essential in advancing next-generation technologies, including generative AI.

Nobuko Uetake, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and leader of its electronics materials business, emphasized: “The rapid growth of generative AI and other advanced technologies is driving unprecedented demand for semiconductor materials like PIMEL™ PSPI. This investment positions Asahi Kasei to capture that growth by enhancing our supply capability and reinforcing our role as a reliable partner to global semiconductor manufacturers. It supports our broader strategy to build long-term value in high-growth, high-impact sectors.”

The company has identified its electronics business as a “First Priority” area, a central driver of its long-term growth strategy. PIMEL™ has already earned recognition across the semiconductor industry. In 2024, Asahi Kasei received the TSMC Excellent Performance Award for “Excellent Technology Collaboration and Production Support in Advanced Packaging” at TSMC’s Supply Chain Management Forum.

Looking ahead, Asahi Kasei will continue to pursue strategic investments in electronics. In April 2025, the company launched its medium-term management plan, “Trailblaze Together,” which emphasizes structural transformation, targeted investments, and maximizing profitability by 2030. Through these measures, Asahi Kasei aims to expand its role in the global semiconductor industry and contribute to the continued development of advanced technologies.