BASF has announced plans to expand its production capacity for ultra-pure, semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany. The state-of-the-art facility will support the growing demand for high-purity chemicals required in advanced semiconductor chip manufacturing across Europe. Operations at the new plant are scheduled to begin by 2027, in line with capacity ramp-ups by key customers. The investment will fall within the high double-digit million-euro range, underscoring BASF’s long-term commitment to Europe’s electronics ecosystem.
Rising Demand Driven by New Chip Plants
The expansion comes as Europe accelerates its semiconductor production, with several new chip fabrication plants under construction or expansion. This surge is driving increased demand for critical ultra-pure chemicals like sulfuric acid, essential in chip fabrication processes. BASF’s investment is also a response to strong collaboration with a strategic partner, currently building a new chip manufacturing facility in Europe. These chips will serve high-growth markets such as automotive electronics, mobile communications, and AI applications.
Enhancing Supply Chain Reliability and Proximity
By producing semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid locally in Ludwigshafen, BASF aims to strengthen supply chain resilience and ensure timely, consistent delivery of high-quality materials. The new facility’s proximity to key customer operations enables faster response times and streamlined logistics, minimizing lead times and improving operational support.
World-Class Technology and Quality Standards
The plant will incorporate cutting-edge purification technology and rigorous quality control systems. This will ensure the production of ultra-high-purity chemicals that meet the stringent requirements of semiconductor manufacturing. Situated within the Ludwigshafen Verbund, BASF’s integrated production platform, the plant will benefit from shared infrastructure and operational efficiencies.
A Trusted Partner for the Semiconductor Industry
Anup Kothari, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, stated, “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.”
A Leader in Semiconductor Chemicals
BASF is a global player in high-purity chemicals for the semiconductor industry, offering a wide range of single bulk chemicals and specialized formulations. These materials are critical for processes such as cleaning, etching, metal deposition, and chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). According to the company press release, BASF continues to solidify its leadership position in the semiconductor value chain. This latest investment also supports Europe’s ambition to build a more self-reliant and resilient technology ecosystem.
