Ecolab Korea (CEO Yang-Kwon Ryu) is starting construction of a new plant to manufacture high-purity colloidal silica, which is essential for producing abrasives for semiconductor manufacturing.

Ecolab Korea announced that it held a groundbreaking ceremony for a high-purity colloidal silica manufacturing plant for semiconductors at the Yangsan Plant site in Eogok-dong, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do on the 5th. With this, Ecolab will be able to produce high-purity colloidal silica in Korea.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Gyeongsangnam-do Economic Vice Governor Kim Byeong-gyu, Yangsan Mayor Na Dong-yeon, Yangsan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Park Byeong-dae, Eogok Management Corporation Chairman Seo Young-ok, and Gyeongnam Investment Agency Director Kang Man-gu. From Ecolab, there were Joshua Magnuson, Global Ecolab Senior Vice President, Anthony Williams, Global Ecolab Senior Vice President, and Ryu Yang-kwon, Korea Ecolab CEO.

The new plant, which covers approximately 5,400 square meters, will produce high-purity colloidal silica, which is essential for producing 'CMP slurry', an abrasive used in semiconductor manufacturing.

Ecolab's colloidal silica manufacturing technology is the result of 70 years of experience and know-how since its commercialization. It is expected to create a significant colloidal silica import substitution effect, contribute to stabilizing the semiconductor material supply chain, and create 665 jobs over the next five years. The plant is scheduled to begin production in July 2025.

In his commemorative speech, Ecolab Korea CEO Ryu Yang-kwon said, “Thanks to the active support of our government, Gyeongsangnam-do, and Yangsan City, we, as a global Ecolab, were able to readily decide to make a large investment in Korea.” He continued, “I would like to express my gratitude for the generous support you have given us in realizing Ecolab Korea’s vision, and as a member of Yangsan City, Ecolab Korea promises to not only create economic value but also fulfill its social responsibility and contribute to the sustainable development of Yangsan City.”

Meanwhile, Ecolab Korea, a global leader in providing solutions and services that optimize water and energy use, plans to operate the new plant using LNG and electricity for steam boilers. Ecolab Korea has applied steam boilers equipped with high-efficiency, low-NOx burners to minimize carbon dioxide emissions, and plans to reflect the annual target achievement rate evaluation in business and plant operations in line with the government’s carbon neutrality policy goals.