Due to HBM Supply Shortage... SK Hynix Sends Key DRAM Personnel to Cheongju

Some Workers from Icheon Redeployed Forward to Cheongju

SK Hynix is deploying key personnel to its Cheongju M15X fab (factory) to expand its production capacity of high-bandwidth memory (HBM).

According to industry sources on the 15th, SK Hynix is expected to transfer some DRAM front-end process team leaders working at its Icheon campus in Gyeonggi Province to the Cheongju campus starting at the end of this month.

The M15X is an expansion fab of the existing M15, in which SK Hynix has invested more than 20 trillion won. It is scheduled to be completed by November next year and will focus on producing HBM among DRAM products.

SK Hynix Cheongju Plant Production Facility Site Map (Located in Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk). SK Hynix

The selected personnel are expected to handle foundational tasks necessary before the M15X becomes operational, such as infrastructure construction and equipment setup.

SK Hynix's acceleration in establishing DRAM production bases is interpreted as a response to the growing demand for HBM. The industry also expects that the supply will continue to lag behind demand in the HBM market for the foreseeable future. SK Hynix has already sold out its production volume for next year.

Market research firm TrendForce stated, "HBM has emerged as a key growth driver in the DRAM industry, fueled by the rapidly increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI)." It added, "Especially HBM3E (5th generation) is expected to maintain tight (insufficient) supply next year."