Bosch is investing more than € 400 million in semiconductor
The well-known technology and service supplier has just announced another nine-figure investment in its chip production facilities.
In 2022 alone, Bosch plans to invest more than € 400 million in the expansion of semiconductor wafer plants in Dresden and Reutlingen, Germany, and semiconductor plants in Penang, Malaysia. Most of the capital expenditure goes to Bosch's new 300-millimeter semiconductor wafer plant in Dresden, whose production capacity is planned to expand even faster in 2022. Approximately € 50 million of the planned amount will be spent next year at a semiconductor wafer plant in Reutlingen near Stuttgart. From 2021 to 2023, Bosch will invest a total of EUR 150 million in additional space for clean rooms. Bosch is also building a semiconductor testing center in Penang, Malaysia. By 2023, the center will start testing ready-made semiconductor chips and sensors.
Microelectronics is the key
Microelectronics is a key success factor in all Bosch business areas. Since the company recognized the potential of this technology early on, it has been producing semiconductor components for more than sixty years. This is why Bosch is one of the few companies with a thorough knowledge of microelectronics and expertise in electronics and software. Bosch can therefore combine this decisive competitive advantage with its first-class semiconductor production capacity. The Society for Technology and Services has been producing semiconductor components in Reutlingen since 1970. They are used in both consumer electronics and the automotive industry. Reducing emissions from traffic, preventing accidents, and increasing the efficiency of the powertrain are based on modern electronics in cars.
Production at the 300-millimeter semiconductor wafer factory in Dresden began in July this year, six months ahead of schedule. The chips produced in the new plant are initially installed in Bosch power tools. Production of chips for automotive customers began in September, three months ahead of schedule. Since the 200mm technology was first introduced to the public in 2010, Bosch has invested more than € 2.5 billion in semiconductor board factories in Reutlingen and Dresden alone. In addition, billions of euros have been invested in the development of microelectronics.
