Advanced development and production centre completed
These are the core of wafer steppers and scanners – special production systems that play a decisive role in the fabrication of microchips for electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones and game consoles. Carl Zeiss SMT has invested more than 450 million euros in the new factory, including approximately 150 million euros in buildings and infrastructure, as well as more than 300 million euros in production and measuring facilities.
Dr. Dieter Kurz, President & CEO of Carl Zeiss AG, explained, " We have added more than 200 new employees this year at Carl Zeiss SMT alone."
Dr. Hermann Gerlinger, Member of the Executive Board at Carl Zeiss AG and President & CEO of Carl Zeiss SMT AG, added: "Systematic innovation and high speed implementation into products has enabled us to achieve market acievement within the past 10 years despite strong competition from Japan. This new facility lays the foundation for additional innovations, and thus future economic success."
Approximately 1,400 employees work in the new factory. More than 45,000 m² of the latest floor space for production, development and administration have been created, a large percentage as clean rooms, in order to meet the demanding production requirements for the precision optics of Carl Zeiss SMT.
Eric Meurice, CEO of ASML (Veldhoven, The Netherlands), a customer of Carl Zeiss SMT, welcomed the completion of the new site: "ASML and Carl Zeiss SMT have benefited for years from their strategic partnership. The future will offer exciting challenges and opportunities. With this investment, Carl Zeiss SMT has clearly enhanced the competitiveness of both companies on the global market."
Günther H. Oettinger, Minister President of the German State of Baden-Württemberg, added, "the Carl Zeiss Group in Oberkochen is a shining example of the innovative power and the international competitiveness of the high-tech companies in Baden-Württemberg. With this step, Carl Zeiss secures a large number of qualified, future-proof jobs – at mid-sized suppliers as well – far beyond the boundaries of East Württemberg."
