Asahi Kasei is investing 16 billion ¥16 billion (around €97.6 million ) in the expansion of its production for photosensitive polyimides (PSPI). The Fuji site in Shizuoka Prefecture is being expanded into a central production center. The company already commissioned a new plant there in December 2024, which is now being expanded with additional capacity. The aim is to double the production volume by 2030.
The PSPI material is used worldwide under the brand name PIMEL. It is used in semiconductor processes as an insulation layer, as a passivation layer for bumping processes and in redistribution layers. These functions are crucial for the reliability of modern components, as they prevent oxidation, ensure mechanical stability and enable high-density circuit designs. Their importance is increasing, particularly due to the requirements in advanced packaging for high-performance and AI chips.
The decision to expand capacity follows the forecasts for the semiconductor industry. Analysts expect the market volume to exceed USD 1 trillion by the mid-2030s. Annual growth of around 8% is forecast for insulation materials.
The electronics business is regarded as the Group's central growth axis. PIMEL is established worldwide and received the 'Excellent Performance Award' from TSMC in 2024.
