Samsung boss visits key semiconductor subsidiary 

Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong made a visit to a factory run by a key semiconductor equipment subsidiary on Tuesday, the company said.

Lee visited Semes’ plant at Cheonan to encourage employees there and discuss future strategies with executives, Samsung said. It was also meant to foster the materials, components and equipment sector, the company added.

The 52-year-old reportedly met with senior executives of its semiconductor business there and stressed that the future remained uncertain and that Samsung must grow the competence it needs quickly to lead the market.

Back in July of last year, Lee, the de facto leader of the entire Samsung business group, visited Japan following the trade dispute between South Korea and Japan to secure the supply line for key materials needed in semiconductor production. He had asked senior executives to come up with a contingency plan in light of the dispute, which saw Japan increase control over its exports to South Korea, at the time.

Meanwhile, Semes was founded by Samsung Electronics back in 1993 as its own semiconductor and display equipment vendor. Semes has two factories in South Korea and 2,000 employees.

Lee also made a visit to Samsung’s home appliance operations last week to discuss strategies with the executives there. He made a total of four on-site visits alone this month.