Korea

Lam Research Is Building an Oregon R&D Center to Speed Up HBM Supply for Samsung and SK hynix

Lam Research has begun construction on a new R&D center in Oregon, focused on enhancing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities for AI chips.

AsiaAI Publisher · August 30, 2026 · 2 min read · Source: 더일렉 THE ELEC

Semiconductors & Hardware

What this means

Why it matters: This move shows Lam Research, a key equipment vendor, is prioritizing the AI chip market. Their investments in HBM and advanced packaging process development are a leading indicator for where future semiconductor capital expenditures from their customers like Samsung and SK hynix will go, rather than just reacting to that demand.

For Western readers: If you rely on cutting-edge AI chips, understand that Lam’s investment here suggests continued innovation in manufacturing will enable higher performance and integration for HBM and advanced packaging, potentially easing supply constraints over the next 2-3 years as these processes mature.

What to watch: Monitor Lam Research’s progress at the Oregon facility and any specific technology breakthroughs they announce, as these will directly influence the production roadmaps of major memory and logic chip manufacturers.

Lam Research has begun construction on a new R&D center in Oregon, focused on enhancing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities for AI chips. This facility aims to develop advanced processes for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other AI-specific chip components, integrating process technology development with manufacturing equipment advancements.

Lam Research is a critical supplier of wafer fabrication equipment for the global semiconductor industry, including major players like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Investments in R&D directly impact the capabilities and cost-effectiveness of next-generation chips, particularly as demand for advanced AI semiconductors surges.

For the wider picture, see Korea Semiconductor Ecosystem.

Original source (Korean)

램리서치, 오리건 신규 연구소 착공…AI 반도체 제조 역량 강화

더일렉 THE ELEC

This story appeared in AsiaAI.FYI Issue #81.