ASML slated to open support center in northern Japan for Rapidus plant
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Dutch semiconductor equipment company ASML Holding (NASDAQ:ASML) said on Tuesday that it will open a support center in northern Japan for Rapidus' semiconductor production plant.
Approximately 50 ASML engineers will install an extreme ultraviolet lithography tool at the plant, a company spokesman told Nikkei. The spokesman did not confirm how many customer support employees the center would house, however.
Extreme ultraviolet lithography technology creates wafers used for semiconductors significantly faster than other methods while also making them at a smaller scale.
The news outlet added that ASML (ASML) is slated to expand its headcount in Japan by 40% over the next five years. It is currently in the midst of supporting a new factory from Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) on the Kumamoto prefecture.
Earlier this month, ASML (ASML) CEO Peter Wennink said the Dutch semiconductor equipment company would launch the first pilot of its newest EUV tool this year as originally planned, amid concerns about supplier snafus.
Rapidus started construction on its plant in Chitose City, on the island of Hokkaido, earlier this month. It is receiving subsidies from the Japanese government for the plant, which will be used to produce advanced 2 nanometer node technology.
Rapidus, which has partnered with IBM (IBM), is part of Japan's plan to boost domestic production of semiconductors. The newly formed company is seen as a competitor to Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) in the global foundry market.
ASML (ASML) shares fell 2.4% in mid-day trading on Tuesday amid a wider decline in technology-related stocks.

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