Pall Corporation, a leading provider of filtration solutions, officially opened a US$150 million manufacturing facility in Singapore on June 13 to enhance its production capabilities in response to the increasing global demand for semiconductor chips.

The new facility, located in Jurong Industrial Estate, spans 2.8 hectares and marks Pall’s second manufacturing plant in the Asia-Pacific region and its first dedicated microelectronics filter facility. With the initial phase now operational, Pall Corp aims to double its production capacity, with potential for even greater expansion in future phases, according to president Naresh Narasimhan.

The facility will focus on producing filtration, purification, and separation solutions for lithography and wet-etch processes, crucial for advanced node semiconductor manufacturing, where maintaining clean fluid streams is essential to prevent contamination and defects. The plant encompasses over 18,000 square meters of high-volume manufacturing and office space, with plans for future integration of research and development capabilities.

During the opening ceremony, Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Alvin Tan, emphasized the anticipated exponential increase in semiconductor chip demand due to mega trends like artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technology. He noted that the demand for AI chips alone is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 22%. This surge necessitates expanded semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, further solidifying Singapore’s role as a key player in the semiconductor supply chain.

Pall Corp’s decision to establish this facility in Singapore reflects the country’s robust supply chain infrastructure and global connectivity, as highlighted by Narasimhan. The new site is projected to create over 300 jobs in fields such as science, engineering, and advanced manufacturing over the coming years, with a focus on talent development aligned with national strategic priorities.

Casey Mace, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Singapore, remarked that Pall’s investment exemplifies American companies’ confidence in Singapore’s favorable business environment and strategic importance in global supply chains. Narasimhan affirmed that this facility represents a significant step forward for Pall in advancing semiconductor manufacturing technology while addressing global challenges, including the demand for advanced chips and transitioning to greener manufacturing practices.