New deal a boon for Wuxi's integrated circuit development

The logo of ASML Holding, a manufacturer of chip-making equipment, is seen at the company's headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on Jan 3, 2019. [Photo/Agencies]

The world's largest photolithography supplier ASML Holding signed a deal on May 14 to expand its technical service base in the Wuxi National Hi-tech District.

The upgraded Wuxi base will consist of two 2,000-square-meter centers providing services such as the maintenance and upgrade of lithography equipment and logistics support for equipment installation materials.

Wuxi is one of ASML's largest lithography equipment service bases in China. The upgraded facility is expected to meet the growing demands in the local integrated circuit industry and help reduce manufacturing costs.

Wuxi's integrated circuit industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years due to heavy investments by leading enterprises such as Huahong Group and SK Hynix. The Wuxi National Hi-tech District has also been working to build a complete industrial chain while perfecting its industrial support for integrated circuit development.

In 2019, the total output value of the city's integrated circuit industry surged 8.3 percent year-on-year to reach 117.8 billion yuan ($16.6 billion), the second highest in China.