Dutch chip equipment-maker ASML Holding will establish an office in Hokkaido in the fourth quarter of 2024, a spokesperson said Wednesday, making it the latest semiconductor business to expand operations in Japan.

¡°We will continue to increase our manpower in Japan in order to supply our customers,¡± spokesperson Karen Lo said, noting that the firm, which currently has eight sites in Japan and employs around 400 people, plans to grow its headcount by around 40%. Domestic media have reported that the office will function as a technical support base.

ASML is the world¡¯s only maker of very high-end semiconductor lithography equipment and is one of Europe¡¯s most valuable technology companies.