In an interview with Electronics Buzz at SEMICON India 2025, Yutaka Ito, Managing Director, TANAKA (India), shared insights on the company’s role in India’s semiconductor ecosystem. He spoke about opportunities in electronics and automotive, maintaining high-purity standards, sustainability through closed-loop recycling, and the importance of partnerships with Indian players. Ito also discussed how TANAKA balances global expertise with India’s emerging semiconductor needs while preparing for advanced technologies in EVs, AI, and 5G.
Read the full interview here:
EB: India’s semiconductor push is getting global attention. What unique opportunities do you see for TANAKA in India’s fast-growing electronics and automotive sectors?
Yutaka Ito: Over the last 140 years, since our foundation in 1885, we have advanced precious metals technology, including refining, recycling, and industrial processes. In the 1960s, we began developing semiconductor technology, such as bonding wire made of gold, which became indispensable for chip bonding. Today, we offer a wide range of products—bonding wires, silver adhesive pastes, sputtering targets, electroplating solutions, and probe materials for inspection known for durability. We are assessing India’s market potential through due diligence and are exploring the establishment of a manufacturing footprint that includes both semiconductor materials and refining.
EB: High-purity metals are vital for reliability in semiconductors. How does TANAKA ensure consistency in purity and traceability, especially when supplying to fabs and OEMs in India?
Yutaka Ito: Purity and traceability are critical. TANAKA is a certified Good Delivery Refiner accredited by LBMA and LPPM, and also Japan’s only Good Delivery Referee—one of the few worldwide authorized to evaluate accredited refiners. We are also ISO 17025 certified for analytical verification. We ensure every step of precious metal recycling is traceable, with minimal refining losses. Through advanced refining, analytical expertise, and strict traceability, we meet international standards for precious metals and enhance trust across the global industry.
EB: Sustainability is becoming a non-negotiable part of supply chains. How is TANAKA integrating recycling, reuse, and closed-loop recovery into its Indian operations?
Yutaka Ito: Sustainability lies at the core of our industry. Precious metals are finite resources, so we’ve invested in recycling and refining technologies for over a century. Closed-loop recovery minimizes environmental impact, reduces CO₂ emissions, and ensures continuous reuse of materials. When we expand operations in India, refining processes will be integral. Our mission is to establish sustainable practices, reducing dependence on newly mined metals while supporting India’s semiconductor growth responsibly.
EB: With EVs, AI, and 5G accelerating demand for miniaturized chips, how are precious metals supporting new trends in packaging technologies and thermal management?
Yutaka Ito: Precious metals play a key role in next-gen technologies. For EVs, we supply aluminium and are developing copper wires for better conductivity and cost efficiency. We also support high-frequency devices in 5G with advanced materials. In packaging, silver-adhesive pastes and thermal solutions enhance reliability and performance. India, rising as a semiconductor hub, is an important testing ground for these innovations, and we are ready to bring our technologies here.
EB: What kind of partnerships is TANAKA forming with Indian players to strengthen localized supply chains and meet global standards?
Yutaka Ito: TANAKA has long been a global leader in bonding wires and continues to hold a top position in global market share. Today, while newer technologies like silver-adhesive paste and sputtering targets are gaining traction, India presents regulatory and environmental complexities. Partnering with local players is essential to navigate these challenges and establish a strong manufacturing footprint. Such collaborations will help us adapt to India’s market while meeting global benchmarks of quality and reliability.
EB: As TANAKA deepens its Indian presence, how do you plan to balance international expertise with India’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem?
Yutaka Ito: India’s semiconductor industry is evolving rapidly. Currently, it is more focused on discrete and power semiconductors, particularly for automotive and appliances. But in 5–10 years, advanced logic ICs and cutting-edge packaging technologies will arrive. TANAKA has expertise in advanced markets across Asia, Europe, and the US. We are ready to bring these technologies to India as it transitions exponentially toward more sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing.
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