Umicore inaugurates metal-organic precursor production plant in Germany

Umicore’s business unit Precious Metals Chemistry of Hanau, Germany has inaugurated its production unit for metal-organic precursor technologies used in the semiconductor and LED markets, respectively TMGa (trimethylgallium) and TEGa (triethylgallium).

The event was attended by European and overseas customers as well as local and regional politicians. Guest of honour was Dr Barbara Hendricks, Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety.

Umicore’s TMGa manufacturing process is claimed to be unique, offering a more sustainable and ecological production method by minimizing hazardous side streams and material losses and optimizing yield to nearly 100%.

“This patented innovation has now become a world-class and industrial-scale manufacturing plant,” says Dr Lothar Mussmann, vice president of Umicore Precious Metals Chemistry. “It will provide benefits for our customers and the environment and underlines Umicore’s position as a pioneer in sustainable technologies.”

Umicore Precious Metals Chemistry claims to be the only European manufacturer of TMGa and TEGa and supplies customers worldwide from its manufacturing base in Hanau. The business unit adds that it helps to reduce cost of ownership through its innovative approach to process chemistry and its collaborative approach with customers and end users.