Future Hightech "Contributing to HBM Equipment Localization... Performance Improvement"

Hansungkyu Future Hightech CEO Interview
"Developing Motherboard for HBM Burn-in Test"

As the artificial intelligence (AI) industry grows, the demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) is surging. Taiwanese market research firm TrendForce predicts that HBM prices will rise by 5% this year and more than 10% next year. SK Hynix has already sold out its HBM production volume for this year. To increase production of advanced process DRAM, SK Hynix is constructing the M15X plant in Cheongju, Chungbuk. The plant is scheduled to be completed in November next year and will begin full-scale mass production from March 2026. The semiconductor industry is also pushing for the localization of HBM equipment. Future Hightech, a subsidiary of Suseong Webtoon, is contributing its technological capabilities to the localization of HBM equipment.

Han Sung-gyu, CEO of Future Hightech, recently stated, "Burn-in test equipment for HBM applies high-temperature and high-voltage conditions close to the limits of memory semiconductor devices to determine product defects," adding, "We are developing motherboards for HBM burn-in tests for Digital Frontier and SK Hynix."

He continued, "We expect to deliver 50 burn-in testers this year and 100 units next year," and added, "We anticipate supplying 140 to 180 testers for HBM next year."

Founded in 2002, Future Hightech has developed inspection equipment parts and boards for both front-end and back-end semiconductor processes for over 20 years. Leveraging extensive equipment development know-how, the company supplies high-quality equipment tailored to customer requirements. Its main clients are SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. It supplies burn-in test motherboards (HI-FIX) for semiconductors to SK Hynix. The final suppliers of printed circuit boards (PCBs) for probe cards and interposers are Samsung Electronics. Since starting collaboration with Digital Frontier in 2010, the company has built a strong partnership. Since 2014, it has been registered as a burn-in board supplier for SK Hynix, solidifying its position as a first-tier vendor.

CEO Han explained, "Among the equipment supplied to SK Hynix, the semiconductor test HI-FIX board is included," and added, "Future Hightech exclusively supplies HI-FIX boards for Digital Frontier's burn-in testers." He also mentioned, "SK Hynix is currently investing," and said, "If deliveries proceed as planned, we expect improved performance going forward."

Han further explained, "We are already supplying for DDR5," and noted, "Orders related to NAND and DRAM are increasing, so we expect to continue our record performance this year and next." He added, "We anticipate sales of 18 billion KRW and operating profit in the 3 billion KRW range this year," and said, "If HBM tester supply is confirmed, we expect annual sales of 35 billion KRW next year with an operating profit margin exceeding 25%."

He introduced, "Until last year, performance fell short of expectations due to the semiconductor industry's downturn," and said, "Performance is improving as we complete and deliver DDR5 board development, focusing on our core competencies." He added, "Orders are increasing this year," and said, "Based on solid performance, we are also planning to pursue an initial public offering (IPO)."

Suseong Webtoon holds a 57.4% stake in Future Hightech. Suseong Webtoon acquired management rights and shares for 10.7 billion KRW in 2021.