US-based chip equipment-maker Lam Research recently celebrated its 30th year in Korea. Marking the anniversary, the firm decided to further expand its presence here by investing $50 million to build Korea Technology Center, an R&D facility.
“As we enter our 30th year in Korea, we plan on localizing more equipment and parts to contribute to the local semiconductor eco-system,” said a Lam Research official.
Research Manufacturing Korea first entered the nation in November 2011 as a joint venture with a Korean equipment-making firm. Since then, it was designated as one of the top 100 companies that contributed to job creation, became the recipient of a Presidential award, and in May shipped its 5,000 production module.
The firm also is seen to have contributed to the Korean semiconductor community by supporting both the industry, clients and suppliers.
Lam Research also has been working closely together with academia. On Sept. 9, it donated semiconductor text books, an activity it has been engaging in regularly since opening office in Korea. Lam Research employees also offer mentoring to help educate the next generation of engineers.
Through its Lam Foundation established in 2000, the firm also conducts regular charity activities. Over the past 19 years, the foundation has donated up to $30 million. Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation, ChildFund Korea and National Nature Trust are some of the organizations Lam Research donates to.
Korea Technology Center is another way that Lam Research is giving back. As an extension to the firm’s US R&D facilities, the center will likely create up to 50 new jobs in the science and engineering fields.
The Elec is South Korea's No.1 tech news platform.