Air Liquide Inaugurates Its New Rare Gases Purification Plant in South Korea, Strengthening its Support for the Semiconductor Industry in the Region

Air Liquide announces the successful start-up of its new state-of-the-art rare gases purification unit in South Korea. This facility, inaugurated on June 25th, is now providing krypton and xenon to major local customers in the electronics industry. The opening ceremony was attended by government, company officials and executive management of the company. 

Krypton and xenon are high value-added molecules notably used in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Beyond their critical role in electronics, these rare gases are also used in the space industry for electric propulsion in satellites.

Located in Cheonan, Chuncheongnam-do province, South Korea, this new krypton and xenon purification unit is ideally positioned, close to major Korean customers in the semiconductor industry, as well as other customers across Asia. This advantageous location significantly strengthens the rare gases supply chain in the region, ensuring a reliable and efficient supply. 

Built leveraging Air Liquide’s proprietary technologies and its in-depth expertise in cryogenics, the facility is now fully operational and capable of purifying krypton and xenon to the stringent ultra-high purity levels required by our customers. 

Nicolas Foirien, Managing Director of Air Liquide Korea, said:

This new purification unit in South Korea demonstrates our commitment to be strategically located close to our customers, at the heart of the major semiconductors hub, ensuring safety and quality of supply. Thanks to our extended presence and ability to manage a global supply chain, Air Liquide offers a reliable supply of high value-added molecules for industries that constantly innovate.”