Siltronic, a leading global manufacturer of wafers for the semiconductor industry, has celebrated the opening of its new wafer production facility in Singapore on June 12, 2024. The state-of-the-art facility, situated within the JTC Tampines Wafer Fab Park, spans an impressive 150,000 square meters and represents an investment of €2 billion, marking a significant milestone in Siltronic's commitment to the region.

The company has been investing in Singapore since 1997, with its previous two production facilities having been commissioned in 1999 and 2008, respectively. Production at the new facility commenced earlier this year, and it is expected to reach a monthly output of 100,000 wafers by the end of the year. The launch of this new facility will add approximately 600 jobs to Siltronic's existing workforce of 1,000 employees in Singapore, covering a range of roles from research to engineering.

A notable first for Singapore, the new facility introduces silicon wafer epitaxy capabilities, a technology that enables the production of wafers with higher conductivity, ideal for the manufacturing of high-end chips required by computers, smartphones, and AI servers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, Heng Swee Keat, highlighted that the semiconductor industry accounts for nearly 25% of Singapore's overall manufacturing growth. He emphasized Singapore's ongoing dedication to expanding its semiconductor sector and strengthening the global supply and value chains in collaboration with international partners. With global semiconductor sales reaching approximately $530 billion in 2023 and projections estimating a $1 trillion market by 2030, Siltronic's new facility is set to invigorate Singapore's semiconductor ecosystem and create more employment opportunities.

Michael Heckmeier, CEO of Siltronic, reiterated that Singapore is not only a production base but also a strategic partner for the company. Siltronic has established long-term cooperation with government agencies such as the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and has a robust network of suppliers and customers in the Southeast Asia region. The company also plays a role in attracting young Singaporean talent to the semiconductor industry. Despite the current downturn in the semiconductor industry, Heckmeier expressed confidence in the growing demand for semiconductors and wafers driven by trends such as AI, electric vehicles, and digitalization, and Siltronic's commitment to increasing investments to meet future growth demands.