Linde to Expand Facility in South Korea to Support Samsung Display’s OLED Conversion Project

Linde is throwing in a whopping $100 million to beef up its facility in Tangjeong, South Korea, all because Samsung Display is pouring billions into switching from LCD to OLED tech.

Linde will construct a state-of-the-art SPECTRA plant within its existing complex, which is set to produce over 2,000 tons of high-purity nitrogen per day. Nitrogen plays a critical role in the manufacturing of OLED displays, particularly in purging and cooling applications. During the production process, nitrogen is used to displace oxygen and moisture to prevent degradation of the OLED materials. It also helps to maintain a controlled environment, which is essential for ensuring consistent quality and performance of the displays.

The facility expansion will build on Linde’s already significant presence in Tangjeong, where it operates four air separation units and a pipeline network, as well as infrastructure that supplies industrial gases to Samsung Display. The new plant will not only serve Samsung Display, which is investing billions in its OLED manufacturing, but also the local merchant market and Linde’s recently established rare gas purification facility in nearby Hyungok.

The project, set to commence operations towards the end of 2024, will rise meet the expected growing demand for industrial gases in South Korea’s booming electronics market.