Merck Group, a leading science and technology company based in Germany, held a groundbreaking ceremony at the Southern Taiwan Science Park in Kaohsiung for its new semiconductor Mega Site on February 8 2023. Economic Minister Wang Mei-hua, along with National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Tsung-tsong, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, Deputy Director General Dagmar Traub-Evans of the German Institute Taipei, Chief Representative Axel Limberg of the German Trade Office Taipei, and other officials were invited to attend and witness the historical groundbreaking of the world`s first Semiconductor Solutions Mega Site that integrates comprehensive product lines from different technology fields.
Not only did Minister Wang Mei-hua thank the Merck Group in her remarks for continuing to invest in Taiwan, but she also congratulated the Southern Taiwan Semiconductor "S Corridor" on their newest addition. Economic fluctuations tend to be short-term, but the demand for semiconductors will remain in the long-term. The MOEA will therefore continue to help foreign businesses implement their investments in Taiwan.
Minister Wang Mei-hua also referenced her two previous visits to Merck headquarters in an effort to facilitate the investment - hoping to win out against other cities worldwide for the chance to welcome Merck Group. Through combined efforts with Taiwan companies like TSMC, Nan Ya, Vanguard International Semiconductor, UMC, and Micron, as well as with the government lending administrative assistance and professional manpower, Merck`s research and technology will help grow Taiwan`s semiconductor ecosystem.
The new plant`s production lines shall integrate current R&D capabilities, introducing multiple product lines involving key technologies within advanced processes such as films, patterning, and special gases, etc. Many product lines will be mass-produced for the first time. The Mega Site is expected to be completed in 2025, bringing over 400 job opportunities to Kaohsiung, allowing Taiwan to prosper alongside the global semiconductor market.
The MOEA mentioned that in light of net zero emissions policies, the Merck Group has implemented localized production, which minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transport. Sustainability was also integrated into the process as early on as the design phase, and the Mega Site was planned according to the LEED Gold Certification standard for green buildings. Combined with renewable energy and rainwater harvesting systems, the Mega Site hopes to become a local site for sustainable development.
The MOEA also emphasizes that despite the pandemic, war in Ukraine, continued tension between China and the US, and global inflation, Taiwan has maintained steady performance in its economy and industries - proof that Taiwan not only has an advantage in technology, but also is highly resilient and capable of adapting to a variety of challenges. Taiwan has proven itself as a reliable long-term supply chain partner for major global companies, and the MOEA is also happy to assist businesses in coordinating land, utilities, talent and government cooperation. By proactively helping businesses solve their problems, the MOEA can help facilitate greater investments. Therefore, we welcome more foreign businesses to come and invest in new technology, new industries, and new business models in Taiwan.
Spokesperson: Victor M. H. Lee, Economic Counselor, Department of Investment Services
Telephone: +886 (02) 2389-2111 ext. 812
Email: mhlee@moea.gov.tw
Business Contact: Ying-Ju Chen, Section Chief, Dept. of Investment Services
Telephone: +886 (02) 2389-2111 ext. 210
Email: yjchen2@moea.gov.tw