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SKC, a chemical materials company under the SK Group of South Korea, recently announced that its subsidiary Absolics, specializing in glass substrate manufacturing, has officially completed its chip-oriented glass substrate factory in Covington, Georgia, USA. The factory, which represents a total investment of approximately 300 billion won (about $222 million), has begun mass production of prototype products. Previously, Absolics had been manufacturing glass substrate samples on a pilot line in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won poses with the employees of Absolics, SKC's glass substrate affiliate, located in Covington, Georgia, on July 3. (SK Supex Council)

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won recently visited Absolics' semiconductor glass substrate manufacturing plant and met with the CEO of a leading technology company to discuss sales of Absolics' glass substrates. Customer validation is expected to be completed in the second half of this year.

Despite the technology being in its early stages, the global market size is projected to grow from $23 million this year to a staggering $4.2 billion by 2034, according to The Insight Partners.

The market expansion was initially driven by Intel, which announced last year its plans to adopt glass substrates around 2028 and invest 1.3 trillion won in the endeavor. Competitor AMD is also accelerating its efforts, planning to introduce glass substrates between 2025 and 2026 and collaborating with global component companies to stay ahead in the race.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics is on track to complete prototype mass production next year, with plans to start mass production in 2026. Meanwhile, LG Innotek is establishing a related business unit this year to prepare for its entry into the glass substrate market.

The existing plastic substrate market is currently dominated by Japan's Ibiden, Shinko Electric Industries, and Taiwan's Unimicron. However, the shift towards glass substrates represents a significant technological advancement, driven by the need for higher performance semiconductors, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.

As the market evolves, the stakes are high for companies like SKC, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and LG Innotek. Their investments in research and development, coupled with strategic collaborations and partnerships, will be vital for their success in this competitive landscape.

Editor：Lulu

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