SK hynix plans to invest 1.4 trillion won (approximately $1.1 billion) in its key partners over the next five years. This initiative aims to strengthen the supply chain as part of its strategy to dominate the global AI semiconductor market.
On July 2, SK hynix signed a "Win-Win Agreement" with its first, second, and third-tier partners at the SKT Tower in Jung-gu, Seoul. The company unveiled a "Customized Win-Win Model" designed to support the entire supply chain of its partners. The support program consists of four stages: technology development, testing and verification, mass production, and sales.
In the first stage, the company will introduce an "R&D Challenge Compensation System" that provides up to 50% of initial development costs to prevent partners from abandoning research due to funding shortages. Even if research fails, partners will be compensated based on their technical contributions. Existing programs such as the "Selection of Innovative Technology Companies," "IPR Sharing Support Center," and "Micro Pattern Wafer Provision" will continue to operate.
In the second stage, starting in 2027, SK hynix will open its 1,000-pyeong (approximately 3,300 square meters) process verification infrastructure, called "Trinity Fab," located in the Yongin semiconductor cluster. This facility will provide a testing environment identical to mass production lines, reducing both the time and costs associated with technology verification. Additional support will include an "Analysis/Measurement Support Center" and "Performance Evaluation Project Support."
To assist partners in securing liquidity and stabilizing management, the third stage will introduce a "Co-Growth Fund" that offers low-interest loans for facility and operational funding. Consulting services will also be expanded to second and third-tier partners, covering areas such as security system implementation, smart factory transitions, and ESG management, including safety, health, and environmental (SHE) practices.
To alleviate financial pressures on lower-tier suppliers, SK hynix will enhance its payment settlement system. The company plans to expand its "Payment Support Fund" for partners with improved payment terms for second and third-tier suppliers. Payments will be settled four times a month, with funds disbursed within ten days.
Additionally, a "Win-Win Payment System" will be implemented across the first to third-tier supply chains to support the cashing of promissory notes before their due dates.
A representative from SK hynix stated, "Based on this customized win-win model, we aim to strengthen the foundational capabilities of our supply chain and continuously develop additional win-win measures that reflect the voices of our partners."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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