Air Liquide has successfully commissioned a new molybdenum manufacturing plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. As the largest facility of its kind globally, it marks a strategic milestone in supporting next-generation semiconductor production. The plant will supply leading chipmakers with Subleem™, Air Liquide’s breakthrough portfolio of ultra-high-purity molybdenum molecules paired with proprietary distribution systems. By enabling large-scale delivery of molybdenum-based solutions, Air Liquide strengthens its technological leadership and pioneers a key material transition for advanced chip manufacturing.
Subleem™: Powering the Molybdenum Revolution
Developed in close collaboration with semiconductor manufacturers, Subleem™ offers a comprehensive range of ultra-high-purity solid molybdenum molecules and first-of-its-kind distribution systems. Molybdenum is rapidly emerging as a promising replacement for tungsten, enabling the next generation of AI-driven advanced memory and logic chips. The strategic investment demonstrates Air Liquide’s ability to quickly scale high-volume production. It also highlights the company’s capacity to meet the semiconductor industry’s surging demand for innovation-driven materials.
Strengthening Global Advanced Materials Leadership
As per the company press release, the new South Korean facility is now supplying two early adopters. With this, Air Liquide expands its global Subleem™ manufacturing network. A production unit has been operational in Japan since 2023. Another plant is scheduled to open in the United States by late 2025. The network ensures fast time-to-market for Air Liquide’s advanced materials. It also reinforces the company’s position as a trusted partner for semiconductor leaders worldwide.
Commitment to Semiconductor Innovation
Armelle Levieux, a member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, emphasized Air Liquide’s strong customer support. She said the company helps clients tackle the challenges of the fast-growing semiconductor industry. She highlighted that the company’s presence in key semiconductor hubs, along with its innovation expertise, plays a crucial role. This combination enables Air Liquide to quickly bring breakthrough solutions to market and maintain leadership in advanced materials for next-generation chips.
