Semiconductor company moves headquarters

Vistec Semiconductor Systems has celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Weilburg, Germany.

Vistec Semiconductor Systems has 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 Eur 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 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 acquired the Leica Microsystems semiconductor equipment division and changed its name to Vistec.

Since then, Vistec Semiconductor Systems has established itself as a recognised name in the industry.

Previously a production site, the Weilburg facility added 130 new rooms, expanding to 12,500m2, with an additional 200,000m2 lot for future expansion.

"Weilburg concentrates our know-how in one spot to improve collaboration and optimise our processes", adds Gerhard Ruppik.

In addition, the clean room area increased by 815m2, to 1,700m2, including a 250m2 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'".

An important aspect of the Weilburg expansion was to create bright, friendly workspaces for all employees - a place to develop future technologies.

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 Eur 87 million, the third year in a row with double-digit growth rates", Ruppik said.

He sees a first-time breakthrough to Eur 100 million in revenue as an ambitious goal that is absolutely realistic, thanks to the continued high order levels for 2007.

Vistec relies on its innovative strength for a strong market position.

"That's why we re-invest 13% of our revenue in RandD every year", adds 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 RandD investment during the last two years", concludes Gerhard Ruppik.

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