Japanese electronics giant Fujifilm India is considering entering into agreements to supply chemical substances and raw materials for semiconductors with several companies in India amid the expansion of the silicon chip production and packaging ecosystem in the country. This was reported by Kodji Wada, the company's managing director.
Initially, Tata Electronics will be an important client. However, as India aims to significantly increase semiconductor production, more front-end manufacturing enterprises are expected to emerge in the future. Furthermore, there are packaging companies that use chemicals and materials that Fujifilm could supply.
Recently, the company announced plans to invest about 800 crore rupees in establishing a new plant for producing semiconductor materials in India. According to Wada, the total investment will be made in two phases, with commercial production planned for 2027–2028.
This facility in Dholera, located near the Tata Group's production complex, will initially produce chemicals for front-end processes. The second phase involves expanding the range to include materials for semiconductor surface conditioning and high-purity chemicals.
Although many raw materials for producing these chemicals will initially be imported into India, Fujifilm India also plans to collaborate with Indian firms. The company intends to consult them on production and technical knowledge, provide support in technology transfer, and ultimately purchase products from them.
Wada noted that several companies have expressed interest in this area, but it is necessary to carefully select partners who possess the required capabilities and willingness to invest. He emphasized that areas such as metal contamination control, quality control, and manufacturing processes must meet semiconductor-grade requirements after suitable partners are identified.
Kodji Wada also stated that India must continue to support the semiconductor ecosystem by providing appropriate incentives beyond already announced programs so that companies interested in silicon chip manufacturing find reasons to invest in the country. To compete on cost with other semiconductor markets such as Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, Indian firms should maximize the use of local supply sources.
He added that although the silicon chip production and packaging ecosystem in the country is in its early stages, this gives local companies an advantage in starting with the best available technologies. As the local manufacturing sector develops, Indian companies will be able to develop significant competencies in intellectual property and patented methods for the entire semiconductor manufacturing process. Wada compared this path to the experience of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, noting that India has only recently begun building this ecosystem.
