Toilet-maker Toto to boost capital spending on chip-related operations as AI demand surges for its ceramics materials

Toto expects spending in chip-related operations to make up more than half of its total capital expenditures in coming years, driven by demand from chip gear makers for its ceramics expertise.

Chip manufacturers are seeking Toto's electrostatic chucks (which hold silicon wafers in place during chip fabrication) and other materials that withstand dirt particles, corrosive materials, and high temperatures—capabilities needed as AI spending accelerates.

Chief Technology Officer Ryosuke Hayashi stated Toto will prepare a production environment to "respond to demand properly."