South Korean SK Hynix Inc. has established a research and development center in Italy. The 'SK Hynix Italy S.r.l.' center officially opened on June 11th, 2012 at the facilities of Ideaflash S.r.l., an Italian NAND Flash developer previously acquired by SK Hynix.

Ideaflash had 50 R&D experts who had formerly engaged in ST Micro and Spansion. Carla Golla, who had been the former Ideaflash CEO, was appointed to the head of the newly opened SK Hynix's Italy R&D Center.

"The Italy R&D Center will closely cooperate with the headquarters in Korea and be operated as a core of NAND Flash development activities. SK Hynix will further strengthen global R&D competence with outstanding experts." said Oh Chul Kwon, President and CEO of SK Hynix at the opening ceremony.

SK Hynix has been operating its R&D centers in the US, Japan and Taiwan.