Lam Research plans global R&D lab expansion

Lam Research plans to expand its global research and development lab network over the next five years, adding infrastructure and capabilities across multiple sites. The company expects the buildout to increase experiment capacity by more than 50% and help shorten product development cycles from early pathfinding through fab deployment.

The company said its R&D model links specialized labs around the world, with each site designed to accelerate a specific part of the innovation cycle. Lam described the network as operating on an integrated 24/7 basis, supported by close customer collaboration and locations near customer facilities.

Chief executive Tim Archer said AI-era chip development is pushing demand for new architectures, different materials and complex nanoscale features. Lam said the planned expansion is intended to strengthen its global innovation engine and improve the speed at which it can deliver semiconductor technology advances for customers.