Gumi Semiconductor Companies Gather as Efforts Accelerate to Attract Fabs and Strengthen the MCE Ecosystem

Proposal Adopted in Connection with the Three Mega Projects
Full-Scale Establishment of Testing and Demonstration Infrastructure

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province is accelerating efforts to advance the ecosystem of the semiconductor materials, components, and equipment (MCE) industry and to lay the groundwork for attracting semiconductor fabs.

Local semiconductor companies have set out a strategy to strengthen their collaborative networks and secure competitiveness by leveraging R&D infrastructure connected to government support programs.

On July 8, Gumi City announced that it had held the 'Gumi Semiconductor Industry Business Council Regular General Meeting and Business Briefing' at Hotel Geumosan. The event was attended by representatives from over 40 member companies, including Wonik QnC, KEC, SK Siltron, and LG Innotek, as well as 100 industry, academic, research, and government stakeholders, including Yang Geumhee, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of North Gyeongsang Province, Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, National Assemblyman Koo Jagun, and Kang Seungsu, Chair of Gumi City Council.

Group commemorative photo after the 'Gumi Semiconductor Industry Business Council Regular General Meeting and Business Presentation'
Photo by Gumi City

The Gumi Semiconductor Industry Business Council, launched in November 2023, is a leading regional semiconductor cooperation platform with 105 participating companies. The council plays a key role in boosting the competitiveness of the local semiconductor industry by facilitating technological collaboration, information sharing, and the establishment of a joint response system among companies.

During the regular general meeting, the council reviewed its operational achievements and decided to further strengthen inter-company cooperation by forming item-specific Win-Win Subcommittees from the second half of the year.

In addition, a proposal was adopted calling for the development of the semiconductor materials and components industry and expanded national-level support, in connection with the recently announced "Korea Grand Leap Forward Three Mega Projects."

At the ensuing business briefing, updates were provided on the progress of the Gyeongbuk-Gumi semiconductor specialized complex, as well as the introduction of various projects selected by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: the establishment of an advanced semiconductor materials and components test and evaluation center, a demonstration base for advanced defense industry system semiconductor parts, and the construction of a manufacturing and testbed project for materials and components for semiconductor equipment chambers.

Upon completion of these projects, local companies will be able to utilize an integrated support system within the region that covers the entire process from R&D to testing, evaluation, demonstration, and commercialization. The industry expects these initiatives will not only enhance technological competitiveness but also have a positive impact on attracting new investments and companies.

Baek Hongjoo, Chairman of the Gumi Semiconductor Industry Business Council and CEO of Wonik QnC, stated, "In the semiconductor industry, cooperation between companies is synonymous with competitiveness. We will further strengthen win-win cooperation among member companies to establish a sustainable regional semiconductor ecosystem."

Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, said, "Gumi has all the essential industrial infrastructure needed for semiconductor production, making it the optimal location in Korea. In addition to attracting semiconductor fabs, we will continue to expand R&D infrastructure and corporate support programs to create an industrial ecosystem where companies can grow."

The competition in the semiconductor industry is no longer among individual companies, but among entire industrial ecosystems. If Gumi can connect MCE companies and R&D/demonstration infrastructure through the business council and link this to large-scale fab investment, it has every possibility to further solidify its status as a key hub in Korea's semiconductor supply chain.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.