Electronic materials gases are indispensable for semiconductor manufacturing process. For that reason, Nippon Sanso Taiwan, Inc. ensures to provide its local customers not only sufficient supply but ample lineup as well.

Moreover, it continues to expand its business by strengthening logistics and supply chain capabilities. As part of NIPPON SANSO HOLDINGS CORPORATION group company, Nippon Sanso Taiwan aims stable supply of high-quality special gases to local users.

At the recent SEMICON Taiwan held in December, Nippon Sanso Taiwan introduced its latest special gas products for the Taiwan market. Furthermore, SEMICON Taiwan 2021 was the first for the company to jointly exhibit with Mitsubishi Chemical Taiwan Co., Ltd.

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Kimihiro Umetsu Chairman and President of Nippon Sanso Taiwan, Inc., said, “SEMICON Taiwan concluded with many visitors despite the ongoing threats of the pandemic. This has been significant to our company because we were able to connect with our suppliers and customers. Hence, it was a worthwhile experience for Nippon Sanso Taiwan.”

Nippon Sanso Taiwan imports and sells special gases for semiconductor front-end processes. In addition, it also sells peripheral equipment in the use of special gases. Furthermore, the company imports special gases from its group companies, Taiyo Nippon Sanso in Japan, and Matheson Tri-Gas from United States.

Nippon Sanso Taiwan has two warehouses in Taiwan. Moreover, its fleets include trucks to enable smooth distribution of supplies and to reinforce logistics capabilities.

Jun Kawamoto, Vice President, Nippon Sanso Taiwan, Inc., said, “Our company is the only special gas manufacture in Taiwan, which has its own warehouses, trucks, and drivers. Hence, this is the strength of our company. At SEMICON Taiwan, we promoted our strength of logistics capability and ability to achieve stable supply.”

The company’s two warehouses are Toufen Warehouse, which covers Taiwan’s northern and central areas, and Tainan Warehouse, which covers the southern area.  Both are capable of handling hazardous products. Recently, the shortage of bonded warehouses has become a challenge for the entire industry in Taiwan.

The company is considering implementing services to handle bonded articles of partner companies that handle semiconductor-related products. “In Taiwan, there are not enough warehouses that can store hazardous products and companies that deliver hazardous products. This is our main differentiation as we can handle hazardous products,” said Umetsu.

Expects Brisk Demand

Concerning the trends and prospects of the Taiwanese semiconductor market, Umetsu, said, “Brisk demand continued in 2021. All customers maintained high operation rates throughout the year and some customers added new facilities. As a result, the use of our special gases also increased. I expect that these trends will continue in 2022 and demand will continue increasing until March 2023, at the very least.” 

NIPPON SANSO HOLDINGS announced in Nov. 2021 its decision to increase production capacities of diborane (B2H6) gas. Besides, this electronic material gas meets the strong demand for semiconductors. The company will increase in stages production capacities in Japan, Korea, and China by the end of 2023. 

“In Taiwan, many semiconductor manufacturers plan to build new plants in 2022. The strong demand for special gases for semiconductors will continue. Particularly, smartphones, automobiles, and data center-related equipment will drive the demand,” said Umetsu.

In addition, Umetsu said the trade tensions between the United States and China will enable the shift of attention to Taiwan. This, he added, will contribute to increase in demand.

“We will continue stable supply of high-quality products taking advantage of abundant product lineup and strong logistics capability,” added Umetsu.