Samsung Electronics Donates $1 Million to Texas, USA for Cold Wave Damage Relief

Samsung Electronics Texas Austin Factory Exterior.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Samsung Electronics announced on the 4th (local time) that it will donate 1 million dollars (approximately 1.13 billion KRW) to the state of Texas, USA, which suffered damage such as power and water supply interruptions due to record-breaking cold waves and heavy snowfall. Samsung Electronics' Austin semiconductor plant has suspended operations since the 16th of last month due to this cold wave.

Samsung Electronics' US branch stated through its newsroom on the same day that it will deliver a donation of 1 million dollars to five community organizations in the north-central region of Texas. These organizations provide disaster relief services locally in Texas, and the donation will be used for food, water, healthcare services, home repairs, and shelters.

Choi Kyung-sik, Vice President of Samsung Electronics North America, said, "We decided to donate to help residents facing difficulties due to this cold wave," adding, "We will cooperate with local partners to provide support as quickly as possible." Jeong Sang-seop, General Manager (Executive Director) of the Austin branch, stated, "We understand how severely the winter storm has impacted our lives and business, and we want to help individuals and families in need."

Samsung Electronics explained that it continues community contribution activities, including donating more than 4 million dollars to US non-profit organizations last year to support COVID-19 relief efforts. Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin, expressed gratitude to Samsung Electronics in a statement released on the same day, mentioning, "This donation will definitely be helpful."

The Samsung Electronics Austin plant has been shut down for more than two weeks. It stopped operations for the first time since its establishment on the 16th of last month due to a power shortage and has not resumed operations since. Although power and water have now been secured, facility inspections are underway, and there are predictions that it will be difficult to resume plant operations until mid-next month.

Samsung Electronics is also discussing additional semiconductor plant investments near the Austin plant. Based on an investment scale of 17 billion dollars, it has requested tax reduction benefits from the state of Texas and the city of Austin. Additionally, documents recently submitted to Texas revealed that Samsung Electronics is also considering two regions in Arizona and one region in New York besides Austin.