ASML Expects Samsung’s Foundry Business to Fully Recover When the Taylor Plant Begins Operations Next Year

ASML, the world’s leading supplier of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems, expects Samsung’s foundry division to make a full recovery once its Taylor, Texas fabrication plant begins operations in 2026. According to a new report from Fnnews, ASML has started recruiting engineers in the Austin area to support the startup of Samsung’s EUV equipment, signaling that the long-awaited facility is approaching its operational phase.

The Dutch chipmaking equipment manufacturer recently posted a job listing for a Field Service Engineer position, with a clear description indicating that the candidate will “support the initial startup of Samsung’s EUV equipment.” Sources close to the industry interpret this move as a strong indicator that Samsung’s Taylor plant is nearly ready to begin production.

An industry insider quoted in the report explained, “ASML’s establishment of a ‘Taylor dedicated team’ can be seen as a sign that preparations for EUV installation are in full swing. It shows that the Taylor plant is getting closer to entering the actual operation phase.”

ASML is not only building a specialized Taylor team but also forming an additional Field Service Team dedicated to equipment installation and pre-delivery testing. This equipment is essential for Samsung’s transition to 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) wafer production, a critical step in the company’s bid to compete with TSMC and Intel Foundry Services in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Earlier reports suggested that Samsung had already started limited mass production of its Exynos 2600 chip on the 2nm GAA process by late September, with an initial output of around 15,000 wafers per month. However, these early production volumes are seen as a preliminary phase before full-scale manufacturing begins at the Taylor site.

Samsung’s roadmap for 2nm process technology depends heavily on acquiring multiple EUV systems from ASML, which will not only speed up production but also improve overall yield rates. The partnership between the two companies remains vital for Samsung’s long-term competitiveness in the foundry market.

Industry sources also note that Qualcomm has reportedly received Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 samples fabricated on Samsung’s 2nm GAA process for testing. If yields continue to improve, Qualcomm could potentially reestablish Samsung as a foundry partner for future flagship SoCs, marking a significant recovery for Samsung’s foundry business after recent setbacks.

With ASML’s full support and the Taylor facility nearing activation, Samsung’s foundry division appears well-positioned to re-enter the race for advanced node leadership in 2026.

Would you consider Samsung’s Taylor plant the key turning point for its comeback against TSMC and Intel in the next semiconductor generation?