The chemical company BASF plans to expand its production capacity for ultra-pure sulfuric acid in semiconductor quality. The new plant at the Ludwigshafen site will be operated according to the latest purity standards to meet the growing demand for state-of-the-art semiconductor chips in Europe. The production facility is scheduled to start up in 2027, coinciding with capacity expansions by key customers. BASF's investment volume will amount to a high double-digit million euro amount.
New capacities meet growing demand for chips manufactured in Europe
The construction and expansion of several chip factories in Europe is increasing demand for high-quality, high-purity semiconductor chemicals such as sulfuric acid. This demand is being accelerated by a close cooperation partner of BASF, which is currently building a new production facility for chips in Europe. These chips are used in automotive, mobile communications, and AI chip applications. The chemical company is investing in the semiconductor chemicals value chain based on long-term customer-supplier relationships with its strategic partners.
Investment in the BASF primary site in Ludwigshafen, Germany
The expansion will significantly improve supply chain reliability for BASF partners by ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid from local production. Located at the heart of BASF's integrated chemical production site in Ludwigshafen, Germany, the state-of-the-art plant will supply customers with chemicals of exceptional purity and quality required for advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. In addition, production close to key customers will enable BASF to better meet their requirements through rapid support and shorter lead times.
BASF supports growth of the semiconductor industry in Europe
Anup Kothari, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF and responsible for the Dispersions & Resins division, explains: “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.”
The company produces high-purity single chemicals and specialty chemical formulations that are essential for the manufacture of semiconductors. Its extensive portfolio includes materials that are primarily used in semiconductor manufacturing processes such as cleaning, etching, metal deposition, and chemical-mechanical planarization.
