Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Wonik QnC Operating Korean and Taiwan Fabs at Fu”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Global quartz leader Wonik QnC is set to expand its Gumi factory in Gyeongsangbuk-do next month, according to findings by Hankyung TV.
As demand for quartz, essential for semiconductor processes, surges, its factories in Korea and Taiwan are understood to be operating at full capacity.
The company is forecast to likely join the '1 trillion won annual sales club' for the first time since its founding this year.
"The investment plan is expected to be finalized within a month," a Wonik QnC official explained. "We are reviewing an expansion as we have idle land in Gumi."
The scale of the expansion is expected to be less than 5% of last year's annual sales (943.6 billion won). Notably, this expansion was not part of Wonik QnC's investment plan for this year.
While quartz demand is surging due to the semiconductor boom, supply is failing to keep up. As of the end of last year, the average operating rate of quartz factories was 88.9% in Korea and 70.6% in Taiwan. It is now understood that major hubs in Korea and Taiwan have both entered full-capacity operation.
In addition, Wonik QnC is confirmed to be pushing for an expansion of its ceramics factory in Gumi in the second half of this year. Both factory expansions are expected to be completed within the year.
What is ‘Quartz’?
The 'Q' in Wonik QnC stands for 'Quartz'. The 'C' stands for 'Ceramics', a non-metallic material created at high temperatures.
Quartz is 'seokyeong' (rock crystal) in Korean. It is a mineral that is a key raw material for glass. 'Crystal', used for decoration or jewelry, is the transparent form of quartz.
Wonik QnC processes the raw material quartz to produce the finished product 'quartzware'. This involves applying ultra-high-purity quartz, with impurities completely removed, to semiconductor processes.
Quartzware is a consumable component that protects wafers from impurities during the semiconductor process. It wears out as the process repeats, requiring periodic replacement. Wonik QnC is the global market leader in this quartzware business.
The recent full-capacity operation of its Asian factories is interpreted as being driven by the growth of its main business, quartzware.
Deep Ties with Samsung Electronics
Wonik QnC's Korean fab has Samsung Electronics as a major customer, and its Taiwan fab has TSMC.
Wonik QnC is considered a key component supplier in Samsung Electronics' semiconductor supply chain. This is due to deep ties between the Wonik Group and Samsung Electronics, with many executives from Samsung positioned in key affiliates.
While Samsung Electronics is not a direct shareholder of Wonik QnC, it holds a 2.8% stake in the holding company, Wonik Holdings, as of the end of last year.
Analysis suggests this expansion also aligns with Samsung Electronics' roadmap for next-generation processes. Samsung plans to convert existing DRAM lines to the next-generation 1c (10nm-class 6th gen) process and secure a monthly production capacity of 200,000 wafers within the year.
Ultra-fine processes like 1c use higher temperatures and stronger gases. This accelerates the wear of quartz components, shortening their replacement cycle. This structure leads to a significant increase in large-scale demand for new components during the process transition.
On Track to Surpass 1 Trillion Won in Sales
The securities industry projects Wonik QnC will record sales of 1.0729 trillion won this year. Orders are continuing from customers including Samsung Electronics and US semiconductor firm Lam Research.
With orders from TSMC also increasing, there are forecasts that sales at its Taiwan subsidiary will rise by 10% this year.
Wonik QnC's global production system, spanning Korea, the US, Taiwan, Germany, and Japan, is also cited as a strength. Having production bases near major customers enables rapid supply.
In consumable component businesses like quartzware with short replacement cycles, delivery response capability is directly linked to competitiveness. Wonik QnC expects the effects of this expansion to be reflected in sales from next year.
The securities industry also diagnoses that, considering semiconductor industry conditions, Wonik QnC's growth will steepen starting this year.
Source: Read the original article | Published: April 16, 2026