The MEMS components manufactured at X-FAB include pressure and acceleration sensors, microphones, and microfluidic systems, which are used, for example, in automobiles, smartphones, or medical technology. In total, X-FAB is investing around 40 million euros in expanding MEMS manufacturing capacities in the Thuringian state capital. The Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs is supporting the project with around 11 million euros from funds of the joint task "Improvement of the Regional Economic Structure" (GRW). The settlement of this highly innovative business field is a great gain for the Thuringian economy, said Tiefensee: "With the new production facility, the traditional microelectronics location Erfurt will be sustainably strengthened." Thuringia needs economic powerhouses like X-FAB, which provide growth, employment, and innovative impulses locally. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will continue to support X-FAB's development to the best of its ability. "MEMS technologies are in high demand worldwide, and the growth prospects for this area are very positive. The new MEMS fab thus not only expands our technological capabilities and manufacturing capacities but also significantly strengthens the X-FAB site in Erfurt," said Rudi De Winter, CEO of the X-FAB Group. "With the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Thuringian Development Bank, and LEG Thüringen , we have strong partners at our side who have excellently supported us in the investment in a new MEMS fab and made the decision for the Erfurt site possible in the first place." X-FAB had received the funding commitment in September 2012. In May 2014, a lease agreement was signed between X-FAB and LEG Thüringen for a hall complex at the company's headquarters. After the building permit was granted, the cleanroom expansion could begin in summer 2014. With the completion and commissioning of the cleanroom, the installation and preparation of the production equipment for manufacturing is now taking place. Prototype production is planned for the second half of the year, so that volume production can begin in the first quarter of next year. Currently, around 70 employees are working at the X-FAB MEMS Foundry. Further hires are planned.
About X-FAB
The X-FAB Group is the leading analog/mixed-signal and MEMS foundry and manufactures silicon wafers on behalf of customers for applications in the automotive, industrial, medical technology and consumer goods sectors. Customers worldwide benefit from the highest quality standards, excellent manufacturing and innovative solutions based on modular CMOS, BiCMOS and MEMS processes in geometries from 1.0 to 0.18 micrometers. The analog-digital integrated circuits (mixed-signal ICs), sensors and MEMS components are manufactured in five wafer fabs in Germany, Malaysia and the USA. X-FAB employs around 2,400 people worldwide. Further information at www.xfab.com. Joint press release by X-FAB AG and the Thuringian Ministry of Economics, Science and Digital Society
