Brothers Become Billionaires From Supplying Chemicals To China’s Semiconductor Industry

Brothers' Rise to Billionaire Status

Zhu Shuangquan and Zhu Shunquan have joined the ranks of billionaires, thanks to their successful company, Hubei Dinglong. This firm specializes in supplying essential chemicals for China’s semiconductor industry, a sector experiencing significant growth amid increasing domestic demands.

With a staggering rise of nearly 116% in their company's shares over the past year, both brothers hold about 15% stakes, translating to a personal fortune of approximately $1.3 billion each, according to Forbes estimates.

Hubei Dinglong: A Leader in CMP Technology

Company Overview

Founded in 2000, Hubei Dinglong is based in Wuhan and has become a crucial player in the Chinese semiconductor supply chain. The company is noted for its expertise in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), a vital process that ensures silicon wafers are flat enough for efficient chip manufacturing. Hubei Dinglong claims to be the only supplier in China covering a comprehensive range of CMP materials, from slurries to cleaning solutions.

Diversification into Lithography

Following the U.S. export restrictions on chip-related technologies imposed in 2022, Dinglong expanded its offerings to include materials used in lithography, a technology necessary for printing circuits on silicon wafers. Their innovations include photoresist products, which are integral in defining circuit patterns, although their advanced materials cater to lower-end chip manufacturing at this stage.

Financial Performance and Future Growth

In the first quarter of 2026, Hubei Dinglong reported a remarkable 78% increase in net profit to 251 million yuan ($36.9 million), driven primarily by its CMP business. The company’s total revenue also saw a growth of 24%, reaching 1 billion yuan. Notably, more than half of its 2025 revenue of 3.7 billion yuan stemmed from semiconductor-related products.

Strategic Focus on Domestic Production

In a bid to enhance China’s semiconductor ecosystem, Hubei Dinglong has steadily shifted its focus from printer-related chemicals to semiconductor materials, noting that approximately 70% of its revenue originates from the domestic market. Earlier this year, Dinglong began producing advanced semiconductor packaging materials and has ventured into OLED display components, further solidifying its role in the technology supply chain.

Founders' Vision and Motivations

Before launching Hubei Dinglong, the Zhu brothers worked in state-owned enterprises, gaining invaluable experience that led them to establish their own company. Their initial focus on printer toner chemicals was aimed at breaking the stranglehold of Japanese and Western firms on that market. In interviews, Shuangquan has emphasized the entrepreneurial spirit that drove their success, noting the importance of adaptability and determination in a rapidly changing industry.

As they continue to navigate the complexities of the semiconductor landscape, the Zhu brothers remain steadfast in their mission to reduce China’s dependence on foreign imports and to conquer the global market. With the increasing demand for semiconductors in various technologies, their journey seems poised for further growth and success.