Building the Next Era One Module at a Time
SK Hynix, a leading microchip manufacturer based in South Korea, is embarking on a project that goes far beyond constructing new semiconductor plants. Their mission? To create a standard for building massive, high-tech facilities that is faster and safer thanks to innovative solutions from partners like Hilti.
As the demand for faster and more powerful technical devices increases, the need for cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing facilities has never been greater. Constructing these facilities, however, isn’t just about pouring concrete and installing machines. It’s about transforming how semiconductor plants are built and finding innovative solutions for traditional hurdles such as tight timelines, dense technical layouts and sky-high safety standards.
Meet the partners
Alongside SK Hynix, SK Ecoplant, an engineering and construction company in South Korea, leads the charge. Together, they’re working on two major semiconductor projects: the M15X, in Cheongju, and the Yongin Y1, in Gyeonggi Province. Their goal is to turn South Korea into a global powerhouse for advanced memory chip production by building one of the world’s largest and most advanced manufacturing hubs. To succeed, the teams needed to rethink every step of the process.
Traditionally, the support racks for pipes and ducts in semiconductor plants are made from heavy steel beams, welded together piece by piece at the construction site. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive – especially in the complex environment of a chip factory.
For a project as huge as SK Hynix’s, these traditional techniques would mean more risk, slower delivery and less flexibility to adapt designs as needed. But SK Hynix needed to move fast to deliver advanced memory chips for the booming AI data center market. The only way to meet these tight deadlines was to find a faster and simpler way to build while still keeping safety in mind.
That is unfortunately not correct.
The correct answer is:
If all MT system channels used in the Y1 project were laid out end to end, their total length would amount to 50 kilometres – equal to almost six times the height of Mount Everest.
If all MT system channels used in the Y1 project were laid out end to end, their total length would amount to 50 kilometres – equal to almost six times the height of Mount Everest.
The modular approach
Using Hilti’s MT modular system instead of traditional, labor-heavy methods quickly proved to be the right approach that allows for pre-engineered components to be prepared off-site and quickly connected on-site using bolted joints rather than welding. As a result, installation time is significantly reduced and safety risks are lower.
The new approach was first put to the test with the M15X project. By 2025, the partnership had expanded, with Hilti providing on-site training to support the customer. The success at M15X paved the way for an even larger rollout at Y1, showing that modular construction could scale up to meet the demands of the biggest projects.
“From concept design to installation, Hilti’s modular systems and engineering support allowed us to tackle complex layouts and tight schedules. From design to our on-site execution, their support helped us deliver on speed, safety and reliability,” said Jin-Yong Park, Vice President, Hi-tech Business Unit, Hi-tech E&C Division, SK Ecoplant.
Semiconductor Plant
Modular support systems
Benefits
- Faster — reduced installation time due to prefabrication.
- Safer — no welding works and less on-site production reduce safety risks.
- Leaner — less material waste thanks to engineering services and streamlined design.
- Smarter — adjustable, interconnected system allowing for various combinations.
Lifecycle and project services
Benefits
- Lower total cost of ownership — Pre designed, standardized components reduce engineering effort while still allowing for changes or extensions without demolition or hot work.
- Seamless design to installation workflow — Integrated support services from early design to planning through materials, detailing and on site installation ensure smooth project delivery.
A new era for chip manufacturing
By adopting Hilti’s modular construction solutions, SK Hynix didn’t just solve a single problem – they reinvented how megaprojects are built. What started as a project has become a proven strategy, helping deliver faster, safer and more precise construction across one of the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing plants.