24 November 2010

AkzoNobel to double TMG precursor capacity again

AkzoNobel of Amersfoort, The Netherlands says that, due to continued strong global demand for its High Purity MetalOrganics (HPMO) product range, it will again significantly expand its production capacity for trimethyl gallium (TMG) precursor material.

The HPMO business (part of AkzoNobel's Functional Chemicals business unit) is a producer of semiconductor-grade indium-, gallium-, aluminum-, zinc- and magnesium-based metalorganics used as key precursor materials in the production of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells.

In June, AkzoNobel doubled TMG production capacity at its facilities in LaPorte, TX, USA. “Our customers’ response to this expansion has been very positive, and their continued strong demand has already fully adsorbed the enlarged capacity,” says Michiel Floor, global business manager of the HPMO product group. “We continue to support the exciting growth of the LED and other compound semiconductor industries, and have firmly planned ahead for stepwise capacity additions across our High Purity Metalorganics product range, including trimethyl gallium and trimethyl indium,” he adds.

To continue to meet the growing demand, especially from the LED industry, the company says that it has decided to advance its plans for expanding TMG capacity, again doubling production capacity. The increased volume will become available in February.

“Our continued investments in the HPMO business further demonstrate AkzoNobel’s commitment to the attractive and high-growth LED industry, with general lighting applications becoming reality sooner than expected,” says Bob Margevich, managing director of Functional Chemicals. “This business also further supports our efforts in sustainability, by focusing on applications that drive energy efficiency and lower energy usage, such as LEDs and solar cells,” he adds.

See related items:

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Albemarle building Korean TMG plant to meet growth in HB-LEDs

Chemtura expanding MO precursor capacity and forming Korean JV targeting HB-LEDs

Dow Electronic Materials to expand TMG capacity to serve LED market

LED market explosion hampered by materials shortage

AkzoNobel doubling TMG production capacity

SAFC Hitech expanding TMG capacity in UK plant

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