By closing its Hikari site, Siltronic continues with the structural improvements already successfully executed and adapts its production capacities to market demand. Two years ago, Siltronic has implemented a lead-site strategy enabling wafer production to be concentrated at single sites according to individual diameters. This allows for a flexible reaction on changing market trends. Discontinuing production at Siltronic’s Hikari site translates into optimized utilization rates at the company’s remaining 200 mm production facilities, higher fixed-cost coverage as well as economies of scale, resulting in a sustainably improved cost position.
“We are striving to mitigate effects on employees from the plant closure as much as we can”, says Dr. Christoph von Plotho, Siltronic’s Chief Executive Officer. According to von Plotho, Siltronic plans to offer its Hikari staff severance packages as well as consultancy and support in their search for a new employment outside the company. “At the same time, we are working hard to reap the earnings benefits resulting from this step as fast as possible”, von Plotho continued.
About Siltronic
Siltronic is a global leader in the market for hyperpure silicon wafers and a partner to many top-tier chip manufacturers. Wacker Chemie AG’s semiconductor division operates production facilities in Europe, Asia and the USA. Siltronic develops and manufactures wafers with diameters of up to 300 mm. Silicon wafers form the basis of the modern micro and nanoelectronics. They are used, for instance, in computers, smartphones, flat-panel displays, navigation systems, automotive engine control systems and many other applications.
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates of WACKER’s Executive Board. Although we assume the expectations in these forward-looking statements are realistic, we cannot guarantee they will prove to be correct. The assumptions may harbor risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual figures to differ considerably from the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such discrepancies include, among other things, changes in the economic and business environment, variations in exchange and interest rates, the introduction of competing products, lack of acceptance for new products or services, and changes in corporate strategy. WACKER does not plan to update the forward-looking statements, nor does it assume the obligation to do so.