![A rendering of ISC's new factory (white building, right) in Songdo, Incheon. [Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/11/12/news-p.v1.20261112.cda0e16a41b048229077887c3915e466_P1.jpg)
ISC, SK Group's semiconductor test solutions affiliate, broke ground Thursday on a large-scale production and research-and-development complex in Songdo International City, Incheon, as the company accelerates its push into the next-generation AI semiconductor market.
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority said it held a groundbreaking ceremony for ISC's new Songdo factory at the Songdo Knowledge and Information Industry Complex.
ISC specializes in test sockets — key components that connect semiconductor chips to inspection equipment to verify their electrical characteristics. The company joined SK Group after SKC acquired it in 2023.
The new factory is scheduled for completion in 2027 and is set to begin full-scale operation in 2028.
The facility will house dedicated research facilities for next-generation AI semiconductors alongside advanced manufacturing lines for high-value-added test sockets.
Through the Songdo complex, which combines production and R&D functions, ISC aims to diversify its global customer base, significantly raise the share of AI semiconductor-related sales and secure a commanding competitive edge in advanced back-end semiconductor processing.
"Using the groundbreaking of the Songdo factory as a springboard, we will build world-class research and development capabilities and push even harder to expand our footprint in global markets," said ISC Chief Executive Kim Jeong-ryeol.
Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority Commissioner Kim Jong-cheol said ISC's large-scale investment would play a pivotal role in positioning Incheon as a key hub for the global semiconductor back-end processing ecosystem. "We will spare no administrative or policy support to help companies with advanced technology take firm root and grow in Songdo," Kim said.
gilbert@heraldcorp.com
