According to Nikkei news, the Japanese government plans to set up a 100 billion yen fund for economic security related technologies such as semiconductors, batteries and artificial intelligence in 2022, which will be used to fund R & D projects led by enterprises and universities. This shows the important position of semiconductors, batteries and artificial intelligence in the future industrial competition.
In recent years, the competition around semiconductor chips and new battery technologies is unfolding among China, the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea and other scientific and technological powers. Today, let’s take stock of three packaging and printing enterprises that master the core technology of chip and battery manufacturing.
Relief printing: the world’s largest mask manufacturer, Q2 net profit increased by 14 times
Toppan, the sponsor of the Olympic Games, announced on the 6th that the consolidated net profit from April to June 2021 was 9.1 billion yen, 14 times that of the same period last year. Due to the increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and 5g, the semiconductor market is booming, and the sales of semiconductor related components are strong.
In addition to printing, relief printing is also engaged in precision industries such as LCD color filter and semiconductor mask manufacturing. Data show that relief printing is the world’s largest mask manufacturer, with a market share of more than 30%.
In 2021, relief printing has begun mass production of 5 nm (the most cutting-edge etching linewidth, 1 nm is 1 billionth of 1 meter) photomask for semiconductor direction, so as to meet the needs of high-performance semiconductors in the new generation of mobile communication specification (5g) and driverless direction. In addition, relief printing also strives to mass produce 3 nm photomask plates in 2023.
Greater Japan printing: the demand of semiconductor market broke out, and the profit in the second quarter doubled year-on-year
According to the consolidated financial report from April to June 2021 released by DNP on the 5th, the quarterly sales increased by 3% to 331.9 billion yen, the operating profit increased by 71% to 16.5 billion yen, and the net profit was 14.8 billion yen, twice that of the same period last year.
There are also large orders for OLED metal masks used to manufacture smart phones. With the full outbreak of demand in the semiconductor market, the performance of electronic components and related products is strong. In 2020, the company developed a new mask mass production process, which can support 5nm semiconductor production. In addition, it has also cooperated with IMEC, a research and development institution in Belgium, to carry out research and development for 3nm products. In addition, Greater Japan printing is also a world-class high-tech mask manufacturing company.
According to Nikkei, the output of “battery bag”, an exterior material used for lithium-ion batteries of electric vehicles, printed in Greater Japan, increased in the current quarter. Affected by the expansion of the epidemic, the business has recovered from the trough of 20 years.
Enjie shares: the net profit of Enjie shares increased by 3 times year-on-year
The announcement shows that in the first half of this year, the non net profit attributable to the parent deduction of Enjie shares was 950 million yuan – 1.05 billion yuan, an increase of 255.16% – 292.54% over the same period of last year. The predecessor of Enjie Co., Ltd. was Yunnan innovative new materials group established in July 2001. Innovative Co., Ltd. is mainly engaged in comprehensive packaging and printing business including special paper and cigarette labels. In May 2017, Innovation Co., Ltd. announced the acquisition of 100% equity of Shanghai Enjie at the price of RMB 5.55 billion, officially entering the field of lithium diaphragm.
Compared with other lithium battery materials, wet diaphragm is one of the best choices for market concentration and pattern. A tripartite pattern has been formed in China, such as Enjie Co., Ltd., Sinoma technology and Xingyuan material. Changjiang Securities research report pointed out that after mergers and acquisitions, Enjie’s domestic market share is expected to exceed 50%, and the market share of Sinoma technology and Xingyuan materials is expected to be about 10% – 20%.
On August 3, Enjie Co., Ltd. issued two announcements in succession, announcing the establishment of a joint venture with Yiwei lithium energy (300014. SZ) in Jingmen to build a wet lithium ion battery isolation membrane and coating membrane project with an annual capacity of 1.6 billion square meters, with a total planned investment of 5.2 billion yuan; And establishing a joint venture with Shengli precision (002426. SZ) to acquire Suzhou Fuqiang Technology Co., Ltd. and jotautomation Ltd. (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “target company”).
From the zero starting point of poverty to today’s strong entry into the world market, mastering core technology is the key factor. Nowadays, the global industry is experiencing rapid development and great changes. Whoever holds the core technology has the highest voice.
It is hoped that more Enjie shares will emerge in China.
Post time: Aug-10-2021