ROHM’s group company SiCrystal GmbH has broken the ground for its new building to expand the production area for silicon carbide (SiC) substrates.

Accordingly, SiCrystal is one of the global market leaders for monocrystalline SiC semiconductor wafers. The highly specialized products form the basis for the manufacturing of innovative electronic components worldwide. Specifically, in areas such as electromobility or green technologies such as photovoltaics and wind power. 

Advanced Facility, Strengthens Capacity

In an important step towards strengthening the semiconductor industry and promoting sustainable technologies, SiCrystal GmbH will create new, additional production space in the north-east of Nuremberg, directly opposite the existing site. Thus, the company sees this as an important step towards strengthening the semiconductor industry and promoting sustainable technologies.

The new building will offer an additional 6,000sq.m of production space and will have state-of-the-art technology. This will further optimize the production of silicon carbide wafers.

The close proximity to the existing plant will ensure close integration of the production processes. SiCrystal’s total production capacity, including the existing building, will be approximately three times higher in 2027 than in 2024. 

“The new space will significantly increase the production capacity for SiC substrates. We are proud that we were able to welcome Mayor König to the ground-breaking ceremony,” says Dr. Robert Eckstein, CEO of SiCrystal. This underlines the importance of this project for the city and the region. 

“This groundbreaking ceremony marks an important milestone for SiCrystal and underlines our commitment to the metropolitan region. In this way, we can continue to supply innovative products of the highest quality for our customers in the future and make a positive contribution to global sustainability. “, said Dr. Erwin Schmitt, COO of SiCrystal.

In addition, Schmitt said, “With the additional production capacities, we will strengthen our market position and make an important contribution to technological development in the semiconductor industry.” 

Crucial to High Performance Semiconductors

Nuremberg’s Mayor Marcus König acknowledged SiCrystal as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of silicon carbide semiconductor substrates. Moreover, König  said the products SiCrystal manufactures are necessary for the energy transition.

“I am delighted that SiCrystal is committing itself to Nuremberg as a location with this massive investment and is thus not only retaining jobs but also creating new ones. Nuremberg is an attractive location,” said König.

Correspondingly, company estimates see the construction to conclude early 2026. Furthermore, this expansion will create additional jobs in the region.

SiC wafers from SiCrystal, a subsidiary of ROHM Group, are of crucial importance to produce high-performance semiconductor components. Thus, by using SiC, the industry can enable higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, and improved performance in various applications. Among them are electric vehicles, solar energy, and industrial equipment.

08 July 2024