Canon has announced plans to increase production of lithography equipment by up to 2 times in 2027. In response to growing demand for AI semiconductors, it will strengthen production capacity for manufacturing equipment to meet increased investment in Japan and overseas.
Canon has disclosed plans to increase production of lithography equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing to as much as 2 times the previous year's level in 2027. To meet the sharp increase in semiconductor demand driven by the spread of AI, the company plans to expand production capacity in anticipation of higher demand for manufacturing equipment.
Under its current production structure, Canon expects to produce approximately 227 units in 2026, with production forecast to expand to approximately 340–450 units in 2027. It plans to increase production by using its new plant in Utsunomiya, completed in 2025, and other facilities.
Canon holds the leading share in i-line lithography equipment, which is widely used in semiconductor manufacturing, while ASML is said to have a monopoly in advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment.
In an interview, Senior Managing Executive Officer Hiroaki Takeishi indicated that semiconductor investment plans are under way not only in Taiwan, South Korea and China but around the world, and expressed the view that investment in expanded production could continue through 2028.