Korean Semiconductor Suppliers Expand U.S. Operations
New subsidiaries and plants in three states aim to shorten supply chains for U.S.-based chip manufacturers.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Korean semiconductor equipment suppliers are accelerating a shift toward U.S.-based operations to support domestic chip manufacturing. Major firms, including Hanmi Semiconductor and Seojin System, have recently established new facilities and subsidiaries in states like California, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Why it matters
The expansion reduces supply chain dependence on foreign components for U.S. chipmakers while meeting the rising demand for AI data center infrastructure. This trend aligns with broader efforts to localize semiconductor and energy storage production.
Hanmi Semiconductor, which holds the top global market share in thermal compression bonders, currently maintains a 95 percent sales dependence on SK hynix. The firm now provides direct technical support via its new San Jose base to mitigate supply logistics.
The players
Hanmi Semiconductor
A global leader in semiconductor assembly equipment, specifically known for its dominant market share in thermal compression bonding tools.
Intel
A major American designer and manufacturer of microprocessors that recently localized a portion of its advanced chip packaging operations.
Kotra
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, which facilitates international business matching for South Korean technology exporters.
The details
Korean suppliers are co-locating near U.S. manufacturing hubs to provide closer technical support for complex chip packaging and assembly processes. Thermal compression bonders—machines that use heat and pressure to join chip components—are critical for high-bandwidth memory production required in modern AI data centers. This localized infrastructure aims to satisfy the capacity needs of firms like Intel, which began operating a domestic packaging plant in 2025.
Timeline
July 2026: Seojin System began operating a plant in Indiana.
October 16, 2026: Hanmi Semiconductor opened a subsidiary in San Jose.
2027: Micron is scheduled to begin construction of a new Idaho plant.
2028: SK hynix is scheduled to begin construction of an Indiana plant.
The Tech Race
This wave of localized production follows the precedent set by the CHIPS and Science Act to secure domestic supply chains. It directly bolsters the infrastructure supporting new U.S. plants planned by Micron and SK hynix through the end of the decade.
U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturers will gain faster access to critical assembly equipment and technical support. This shift reduces the lead times for hardware delivery necessary to scale AI data center production capacity across the country.
The takeaway
The move signals a structural realignment of the semiconductor supply chain toward domestic U.S. production. Watch for the 2027 start of construction at the Micron Idaho site as a barometer for how quickly these new supplier networks reach full-scale operation.
Further reading
For broader trends in domestic chip manufacturing, visit the Semiconductors section.
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