A Japanese Producer of Photoresists
JSR announced on Oct. 17 that it acquired the entire equity of JSR Electronic Materials Korea. The Japanese company and Peri Corp., a South Korean chemical material distributor, founded the joint venture in 2014.
The joint venture was set up for a more efficient semiconductor material supply to the South Korean clients, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. At that time, the equity ratios of Peri and JSR were 60 percent and 40 percent, respectively. According to industry sources, the change in equity ratio is to accelerate semiconductor material production and R&D in South Korea.
JSR produces photoresists, which are essential for the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. The material has been supplied to Samsung Electronics’ foundry business unit, and the production line management and product development of SK Hynix as well as Samsung Electronics are expected to become even more efficient based on JSR’s production and R&D functions in South Korea.
These days, a number of Japanese companies in the industry, including Tokyo Ohka Kogyo, Tokyo Electron and Sumitomo Chemical, are expanding their cooperation with South Korean companies. This is to deal with various supply chain risks and uncertainties related to U.S. measures against China.