SK Hynix to Accelerate HBM Production

Decided to introduce ASML’s EUV scanners

Actively responding to demand for AI memory

SK Hynix is speeding up its memory semiconductor production capacity by introducing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment worth KRW 12 trillion. The EUV used for the production of advanced DRAM, is expected to be deployed in key lines, including the semiconductor cluster currently under construction in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, and is also expected to accelerate the transition to SK Hynix’s advanced 6th-generation (1c) process.

The company recently disclosed that it had decided to acquire EUV scanners from ASML, a Dutch equipment manufacturer. The total acquisition cost is approximately KRW 11.9496 trillion, equivalent to 9.97% of its total assets as of the end of 2024. The procurement will take place over approximately two years through December next year and includes installation and modification costs.
Although the company did not disclose the exact number of EUV units it is introducing, industry estimates suggest it may acquire more than 20 machines, given that each unit costs between KRW 300 billion and KRW 500 billion. With around 20 EUV systems already in operation, it more than doubles its EUV line.
The EUV to be introduced in large quantities this time will be deployed at Cheongju M15X plant, while a significant portion is also expected to be allocated to the first fab (Y1) at the Yongin cluster, scheduled to begin operations next year. The rapid introduction of EUV is intended to expand production capacity across the entire Yongin cluster, where wafer production is expected to increase to between 380,000 and 400,000 wafers per month in the future.
According to SK Hynix, the investment is aimed at addressing growing demand for AI memory including HBM, and expanding demand for general-purpose DRAM. The company is trying to expand its production capacity to stabilize supply following the increasing demand for general-purpose memory in the front industry including servers and mobile.

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