Heraeus (Zhaoyuan) Precious Metal Materials, the first Sino-foreign joint venture in China's gold application sector and a subsidiary of the German technology group Heraeus, announced on Tuesday the opening of its new innovation center in Zhaoyuan, Shandong province.

The innovation center, now operational, features advanced R&D equipment and a specialized technical team. It aims to drive breakthroughs in semiconductor materials, boost market competitiveness, and support industries — including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and big data — the company said.

This year also marks the JV's 30th anniversary in China.

"The 30th anniversary and the innovation center's launch represent another key milestone in our ongoing investment, development, and innovation in China," Ai Zhouping, president of Heraeus Greater China, said.

Ai added that the group will maintain close cooperation between its Chinese and German shareholders while supporting high-quality growth in sectors such as semiconductors.

Over the past three decades, the company's product line has grown from a single gold wire to more than 20 types, including gold, silver, copper, and aluminum wires.