SK Hynix Invests $8B in ASML Chip Equipment for Advanced AI Memory Development
South Korean chipmaker, SK Hynix, made a significant announcement on Tuesday. The company is set to purchase 11.95 trillion won ($7.97 billion) worth of advanced extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment from Dutch manufacturer ASML. This order represents the largest single order ever publicly disclosed by an ASML customer.
The colossal investment, valid through December 2027, highlights the fierce competition among chipmakers to secure state-of-the-art manufacturing tools. These tools are crucial in producing the world’s most sophisticated semiconductors. The order comprises approximately 30 new EUV machines, which will be deployed across two facilities:
- SK Hynix’s M15X plant in Cheongju, focused on High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chip production
- The new Yongin Semiconductor Cluster for advanced DRAM manufacturing
The purchase is motivated by the surging demand for AI infrastructure. HBM chips are becoming vital components in artificial intelligence systems. SK Hynix is aiming to significantly expand its EUV capacity. Analysts have noted that the company is positioning itself to double its EUV fleet by 2027.
Following the announcement, ASML shares rose 0.9 percent, while SK Hynix shares closed 5.7 percent higher. This news comes on the heels of reports that SK Hynix may raise up to $10 billion through an initial public offering in the United States, further fueling investor enthusiasm.
Source: Bloomberg