Samsung rethinks ASML partnership

Samsung is reportedly planning to lessen its procurement of next-gen ASML EUV equipment. In addition, Samsung-ASML’s joint plan to build a research and development center in South Korea may also be unfinished.

BusinessKorea reports that Samsung will now introduce only the EXE:5200 from ASML. The company will reconsider the introduction of subsequent versions in the future. It was reported that over three versions (EXE:5200, EXE:5400, and EXE:5600) would be purchased.

The shift in Samsung’s strategy came after the appointment of Jun Young-hyun as the new head of the DS Division. The then DS Prez Kyung Kye-hyun is currently leading the Future Business Planning Team and SAIT.

Back in December, Samsung and ASML signed an MOU – agreeing to jointly invest about $7.6 billion to establish a research fab in South Korea.

As the equipment adoption is halted, it remains to be seen whether the joint research center will be established in another location or if the project itself will be canceled.

BusinessKorea citing a Samsung official pointed out that there is no change in the plan to debut ASML High NA EUV equipment and assured that the R&D center of the two companies will still be established in the optimal location.