SK hynix Develops 10-Nano DRAM Microcircuit Processor in M16 Plant

South Korean memory chipmaker SK hynix Inc. announced the establishment of their new fabrication plant, the M16. Under the tagline, “We Do Technology: Opening the Happiness,” SK hynix held a completion ceremony for M16’s construction. The M16 fabrication plant is a part of the company’s plans to expand its memory chip business. With the construction period taking over two years, M16 is located at SK hynix’s main production base in Icheon.

“It was worrisome when we decided to build M16 two years ago as the overall semiconductor memory was amid downturn back then. However, as the industry anticipates positive market conditions upcoming it seems that our bold decision of the past will lead us to a better future.”
-Chey Tae-won, SK Group’s chairman

Since November 2018, SK hynix allocated KRW 3.5 trillion ($3.1 billion) for the M16 project and employed over 3 million construction workers. Among its domestic and overseas chip plants, M16 is SK hynix’s largest production site. It is 336m long, 163m wide, and 105m high. M16 will function as a manufacturing site mainly for DRAM products.

“The completion of the M16 was only possible thanks to many people’s contributions. I’m certain that it is time for M16 to return their favor and devote to create their happiness,” Chey continued. “I urge each and every one of us to consider not only the creation of economic value, but also the ESG-related measures to grow together with our partner companies, protect our environment, and contribute to the development of the local communities.”

M16 and SK hynix’s Future

SK hynix installed extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment to the plant, enabling them to produce chips with intricate circuit patterns. Through utilizing the EUV equipment, the chipmaker will manufacture a fourth-generation 10-nano (1anm) DRAM, an advanced microcircuit processor. If SK hynix further utilizes the EUV lithography, they can help boost memory semiconductor microprocessing technologies. The memory semiconductor supplier will start mass-production in M16 this June.

“M16 is a complex manufacturing plant where cutting-edge infrastructures such as dedicated space for EUV equipment and advanced pollution reduction facilities are concentrated,” said Lee Seok-hee, SK hynix’s chief executive. “It will become a production plant of a higher level that contributes to the ESG management as well as creating economic value.”

In October 2020, SK hynix introduced the ‘Financial Story,’ which envisions the company’s advancement in the semiconductor sector. M16 plays a major role in the chipmaker’s developments regarding DRAM and NAND Flash production.