Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 31, BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com) announced the construction of a new electronic-grade ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH EG) plant in Ludwigshafen to support semiconductor manufacturing in Europe. The ultra-pure chemical will be used for wafer cleaning, etching, and other precision processes, strengthening the local supply chain for advanced chip production. Operations are expected to begin in 2027.

The investment reflects BASF’s commitment to supply chain resilience for the European semiconductor sector amid growing demand for high-quality, high-purity chemicals. Several new or expanded chip manufacturing plants in Europe are driving this demand, accelerated by one of BASF’s key partners currently building a semiconductor facility in the region. The project is based on long-term customer-supplier agreements, ensuring mutual strategic benefits.

NH4OH EG from the new plant will be critical for advanced nodes chip technology, enabling next-generation semiconductors that are essential for industries such as automotive, artificial intelligence, and other high-tech sectors across Europe. The plant will provide a secure and reliable supply of materials required for the continent’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

Jens Liebermann, Senior Vice President of Electronic Materials at BASF, said: “We are thankful and proud of our customers’ trust in BASF to be a long-term strategic partner in their growth ambition in the region.” Gops Pillay, President of BASF’s Global Operating Division, added: “This new investment not only further enhances our capabilities but also reinforces our commitment and our presence to supporting the semiconductor industry in Europe.”

BASF emphasized that the plant will support both innovation and sustainability, contributing to technological advancement while boosting the European economy. The company is a global leader in supplying high-purity bulk chemicals and specialized formulations for semiconductor manufacturing, covering processes such as cleaning, etching, photo, metal deposition, and chemical mechanical planarization.

By establishing this facility, BASF aims to meet the growing demand for semiconductor-grade chemicals and maintain Europe’s competitiveness in the global chip market. The investment ensures that advanced European semiconductor manufacturers have access to reliable, high-quality materials, supporting continued expansion in the sector and fostering technological innovation.

The new Ludwigshafen plant aligns with BASF’s strategy of reinforcing the semiconductor chemical value chain in Europe and strengthening partnerships with strategic customers. It demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to the semiconductor industry and its role in advancing high-tech capabilities across key European industries.