Merck Korea celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Ansan site, highlighting four decades of technological innovation in semiconductor gas and chemical delivery while outlining its long-term vision for supporting the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing.
The anniversary ceremony was attended by Nam-Seok Heo, Vice Mayor of Ansan City; Dr. WooKyu Kim, Managing Director and Representative Director of Merck Korea; and Rob Mortensen, Global Head of Equipment Cluster at Merck Electronics. The event reflected on the site's 40-year history while reaffirming its role in strengthening the global semiconductor supply chain.
Originally established in 1986 as Hanyang Technology Co., Ltd., the Ansan site evolved through subsequent integrations with Air Products and Versum before becoming part of Merck in 2019. The integration combined decades of expertise in semiconductor gas and chemical delivery equipment and Delivery Systems & Services (DS&S) with Merck's global technology platform and supply network.
Today, the site serves as a strategic hub supporting major semiconductor projects for customers in Korea and overseas, providing integrated process solutions, high-purity specialty materials, and customized gas delivery systems that enhance manufacturing efficiency, safety, and operational reliability.
"The semiconductor industry has become one of the nation's most important strategic industries," said Nam-Seok Heo, Vice Mayor of Ansan. "Over the past 40 years, Merck has contributed to the industry's growth through its expertise in semiconductor manufacturing facilities and engineering projects while continuing to support the local community through volunteer activities and social initiatives. As Ansan also celebrates the 40th anniversary of its elevation to city status this year, we congratulate Merck's Ansan site on reaching this milestone and look forward to supporting the growth of more global materials, parts, and equipment companies in our city."
Dr. WooKyu Kim, Managing Director and Representative Director of Merck Korea, said the company will continue expanding its role as a technology partner for semiconductor manufacturers.
"Merck provides safe, efficient, and reliable integrated process solutions, high-purity advanced materials, and customized delivery systems that support our customers' semiconductor manufacturing operations," he said. "We remain committed to maintaining our market-leading position across the entire semiconductor manufacturing workflow by driving continuous technological innovation and providing close support to customers both in Korea and around the world."
The Ansan site has also been widely recognized for excellence in safety management and responsible corporate governance. In 2023, it received the Prime Minister's Commendation at the 30th Korea Gas Safety Awards and has earned additional government honors from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Gyeonggi Province, and the City of Ansan for its achievements in industrial safety and exemplary business operations.
Beyond its business performance, Merck Korea continues to strengthen its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives through community programs, including donations to multicultural children's centers in Ansan, volunteer briquette deliveries for underprivileged families, and donation campaigns with Beautiful Store.
As semiconductor manufacturers increasingly seek resilient and localized supply chains, Merck Korea plans to further expand the Ansan site's capabilities in advanced materials, process solutions, and delivery technologies, reinforcing its position as a long-term strategic partner for the global semiconductor industry.
