Vistec Semiconductor Systems (previously Leica Microsystems Semiconductor) recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Weilburg, Germany. Numerous politicians and industry VIPs, including Heinz Kundert (SEMI Europe president), attended the festivities.
Completing the move from nearby Wetzlar, all 250 Vistec employees now work at the same location: “We’ve invested over €5 million in the expansion of our Weilburg facility,” explains Gerhard Ruppik, Vistec General Manager. “The synergy of having all divisions here will enhance communications – and our continued growth.”
Vistec Semiconductor Systems is a leading supplier of systems for optical inspection and review, mask metrology, and macro / micro defect detection for the semiconductor industry. The move from Wetzlar also completes the separation from Leica Microsystems. In 2005 Golden Gate Capital (San Francisco, CA) acquired the Leica Microsystems semiconductor equipment division and changed its name to Vistec. Since then, Vistec Semiconductor Systems has established itself as a recognized name in the industry.
Space for collaboration and innovation
Previously a production site, the Weilburg facility added 130 new rooms, expanding to 12,500-m2 (137,500 square feet), with an additional 200,000-m2 lot for future expansion. “Weilburg concentrates our know-how in one spot to improve collaboration and optimize our processes,” adds Gerhard Ruppik.
In addition, the clean room area increased by 815-m2 (almost 9,000 square feet), to 1,700-m2 (almost 19,000 square feet), including a 250-m2 demo room to present and evaluate the newest generation systems for wafer process control and mask metrology.
Gerhard Ruppik emphasizes, “We now have the ideal conditions for technology innovations ‘made in Germany.’”
A climate for innovation
An important aspect of the Weilburg expansion was to create bright, friendly workspaces for all employees – a place to develop future technologies. This also counts for new employees; Vistec added 20 new jobs last year and further additions are set for 2007 to meet the planned revenue growth goals.
“2006 was a successful year; we increased revenue by 24% to €87 million, the third year in a row with double-digit growth rates,” summarizes Gerhard Ruppik, who sees a first-time breakthrough to €100 million in revenue as “an ambitious goal but absolutely realistic,” thanks to the continued high order levels for 2007.
Investing in R&D
Vistec relies on its innovative strength for a strong market position. “That’s why we reinvest 13% of our revenue in R&D every year,” adds Gerhard Ruppik. “Our intelligent solutions result from close collaboration with customers, research institutes and universities. Whether it’s opening new markets or expanding our product portfolio, this assures a bright future for Vistec.”
In fact, a large portion of the orders booked during the first quarter of 2007 is for new mask metrology and macro defect detection products. “We are now seeing the results of our increased R&D investment during the last two years,” concludes Gerhard Ruppik.
留言列表
