[Westrapiet, Indiana, U.S.A. = E-Daily Seong Joowon Correspondent] SK Hynix’s first U.S. production hub for High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) is emerging as a key project in U.S.-South Korea cooperation aimed at rebuilding the U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor industries. U.S. political and government officials have assessed that SK Hynix’s $4 billion (approximately 5.53 trillion won) investment will not only create jobs but also strengthen the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, economy, and national security.

#SK Group also announced its intention to further expand its business footprint in the U.S., starting with the investment in Indiana. Yoo Jeong-jun, Vice Chairman of SK Group in charge of the Americas, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the SK Hynix Indiana fab held in West Rapier, Indiana, on the 27th (local time). Referring to SK’s semiconductor, energy, and advanced technology businesses in the U.S., he stated that the company’s investments and assets in the U.S. are expected to exceed $45 billion (approximately 62.22 trillion won) by 2030.
Vice Chairman Yoo described the Indiana project as “more than just a new facility.” Noting that the spread of artificial intelligence requires more memory, computing power, and energy, he emphasized, “SK is ready to contribute to building that future across the United States.” He added, “We are building together, investing together, and innovating together,” and concluded, “This is only the beginning.”
The U.S. side also viewed SK Hynix’s investment as a crucial opportunity to revitalize its domestic semiconductor industry. Indiana Governor Mike Brunn said, “This project will usher in the next generation of American innovation, bring thousands of high-quality jobs to Indiana, and accelerate local economic development.” He added, “It is a win for both the people of Indiana and our economy, and a significant step forward in propelling Indiana to the forefront of future industrial competition.”

U.S. Senator Todd Young of Indiana emphasized the rebuilding of the U.S. semiconductor industry more directly. He said, “SK Hynix’s historic investment in West Lafayette is further proof that Indiana is leading the rebuilding of the U.S. semiconductor industry,” adding, “It will create high-quality jobs, strengthen national and economic security, and ensure that future technologies are developed and produced in the United States.”
Senator Young linked this investment to the CHIPS and Science Act, which he helped draft. “I am proud to have helped make this investment possible through the CHIPS and Science Act,” he said, expressing his expectation that it will benefit Indiana residents and the entire United States for decades to come.
The South Korean government also viewed this investment as a project that goes beyond the mere construction of a production facility. Kang Kyung-wha, South Korea’s Ambassador to the United States, said, “SK Hynix’s investment in Indiana is not merely an investment in a semiconductor manufacturing facility; it is the establishment of the U.S.’s first AI memory production facility and R&D center,” adding that it is “a unique model for fostering semiconductor talent and strengthening cooperation with the government and external organizations.”

In practice, the Indiana fab will operate by combining the semiconductor industry capabilities of South Korea and the United States. Cutting-edge HBM wafers produced in South Korea will be shipped to the U.S., where they will undergo advanced packaging and testing before being supplied to U.S. customers. A state-of-the-art packaging R&D testbed will also be established at the fab. Customers, universities, and partner companies plan to jointly develop next-generation packaging technologies and carry out prototype production and performance verification.
Kwak No-jeong, President and CEO of SK Hynix, emphasized, “Today marks the day the U.S. and SK Hynix jointly embark on a new future for AI,” adding, “The U.S. is a hub of AI innovation, bringing together top-tier customers, research capabilities, and an ecosystem.” He continued, “We will expand our investment and collaboration in the U.S., grow together, and become the most trusted partner in shaping the future of U.S. AI.”
The SK Hynix Indiana fab, which will receive an investment of over $4 billion, is scheduled to complete its cleanroom construction in October 2028 and begin mass production of next-generation HBM in the second half of 2029. SK Hynix is discussing the establishment of a local supply chain with approximately 100 partner companies and expects to create more than 7,000 jobs through the construction and operation of the fab, as well as related industries.