PARIS: Air Liquide (AIRP.PA) said it has started operations at the world’s largest molybdenum manufacturing plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, expanding its footprint in advanced materials for semiconductors. The site will produce ultra-high purity molybdenum molecules and proprietary distribution systems for Subleem™, the company’s latest materials offering.
The strategic investment positions Air Liquide as the first supplier capable of delivering molybdenum-based solutions at scale, supporting a growing industry pivot away from traditional tungsten use in semiconductor manufacturing. The Subleem™ portfolio was co-developed with leading chipmakers and aims to support next-generation logic and memory chip designs driven by artificial intelligence applications.
“With this plant, Air Liquide demonstrates its leadership in materials innovation and fast-to-market manufacturing,” said Armelle Levieux, executive committee member responsible for electronics. “Our presence across key semiconductor hubs enables us to help customers meet the pace and challenges of the industry’s rapid evolution.”
Subleem™ products are currently being delivered to two early adopters in Korea. The company operates a molybdenum unit in Japan and plans to open a third site in the United States by the end of 2025.