Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML is securing a high volume of orders. The company is actively expanding its production capacity to meet growing global demand.
Next year, the company will increase its manufacturing capacity for advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV) and low numerical aperture extreme ultraviolet (low NA EUV) machines by 30 per cent. ASML is also investigating whether it can expand this capacity by another 30 per cent in 2028.
Cutting assembly times and streamlining tests
Chief Financial Officer Roger Dassen explained that the company wants to cut the time it takes to build each lithography system. A few quarters ago, factory teams took about 22 weeks to assemble an EUV machine. ASML is now working to reduce this lead time to 15 or 16 weeks.
To speed up production, ASML is reviewing its machinery testing protocols with customers. Dassen believes the company can shorten factory testing routines without compromising quality. Additionally, ASML is negotiating with its suppliers to accelerate component deliveries.
Expanding the Eindhoven campus
In the Netherlands, the company is preparing a major expansion at the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC) North in Eindhoven. Dassen indicated that this project focuses on scaling production over the coming decades. Therefore, it falls outside the timeline of the current capacity forecasts.
ASML expects to start construction in the third quarter of this year. This timeline assumes the company secures all necessary permits and finalizes its electrical grid connections. Contractors should complete the building works in 2028.
Restructuring and staff redeployment
This industrial expansion coincides with internal restructuring. ASML previously announced plans to cut 1,700 jobs to reduce corporate bureaucracy. However, the final number of redundancies may be lower.
The company is currently exploring opportunities to redeploy affected employees into new roles. ASML’s rapid growth is continuously creating new jobs elsewhere in the business. Dassen stated that matching employees to these new positions will take several weeks to months to finalize.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
