Umicore Inaugurates Trimethylgallium (TMGa) Production Facility in Germany

High-purity Trimethylgallium (TMGa) and Triethylgallium (TEGa) are key materials in manufacturing processes of opto-electronic devices such as LEDs or laser diodes and are essential for most advanced high power- and RF semiconductor devices. These electronic components offer drastic improvements in efficiency and reduced power consumption compared to conventional devices. Umicore is the only European manufacturer of TMGa and TEGa and supplies customers across the world from its Hanau manufacturing base.

The chemical company’s business unit Precious Metals Chemistry inaugurated a new production unit for TMGa at the Industrial Park Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany, on June 23. The event was attended by European and overseas customers as well as local and regional politicians. The guest of honor was Dr. Barbara Hendricks, Germanys Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety.

Umicore’s TMGa manufacturing process is innovative and unique. It offers a more sustainable and ecological production method by minimizing hazardous side streams and material losses and optimizing yield to nearly 100%. This makes it superior to all existing manufacturing methods in the industry.

Dr Lothar Mussmann, Vice-President of Umicore Precious Metals Chemistry said “I am proud that this patented innovation has now become a world-class and industrial scale manufacturing plant. It will provide benefits for our customers and the environment and underlines Umicore’s position as a pioneer in sustainable technologies.”

At the event, Dr. Oliver Briel, Umicore's Director Global Business Electronics, presented details on the new plant, the products and applications as well as the strategy to grow the company's market share in this sector.