OCI Supplies Semiconductor Phosphoric Acid to DB HiTek

OCI Gunsan Plant exterior. Photo by OCI

OCI announced on the 19th that it will begin initial deliveries of semiconductor phosphoric acid to DB HiTek's Bucheon plant, a domestic semiconductor foundry specialist, starting this month. Following its selection as a semiconductor phosphoric acid supplier to SK Hynix in August this year?the first among domestic manufacturers?OCI has succeeded in securing an additional order from DB HiTek.

Since starting its semiconductor phosphoric acid business in 2007, OCI has been producing 25,000 tons annually at its Gunsan plant, supplying products stably to domestic semiconductor chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and SK Kipha Foundry. The semiconductor phosphoric acid produced by OCI is an essential material in the wafer etching process during semiconductor manufacturing. It plays a crucial role in precisely removing unnecessary parts of the wafer to form circuits.

DB HiTek is an 8-inch foundry specialist company operating two plants: Bucheon (FAB1) and Sangwoo (FAB2). Having completed production capacity enhancement in the first half of this year, the Bucheon plant has a wafer production capacity of 91,000 units per month, and the Sangwoo plant has a capacity of 63,000 units per month.

Since OCI first delivered semiconductor phosphoric acid to DB HiTek’s Sangwoo plant in 2021, it has continuously strived to expand its delivery line to the Bucheon plant. Entering existing lines where competitor products were used generally presents a higher entry barrier than supplying new plants, making this delivery particularly significant.

OCI assigned dedicated personnel and actively collaborated through close communication to supply products that meet DB HiTek’s required specifications and production line characteristics. Additionally, OCI devoted efforts to research and development for product quality improvement and process enhancement, while steadily working on stable supply chain management and raw material procurement. As a result, OCI received excellent evaluations in terms of quality and stable supply, enabling additional supply to DB HiTek’s Bucheon plant.

Kim Yushin, OCI President, stated, "Successfully delivering semiconductor phosphoric acid to DB HiTek’s Bucheon plant is a very meaningful achievement," adding, "We will continue to strengthen our competitiveness through outstanding product quality and stable supply, and secure a unique position as a core material company in the semiconductor field."