SUSS MicroTec SE, a leading manufacturer of equipment and process solutions for the semiconductor industry, has announced a strategic realignment of its global production network in response to sustained strong demand for its advanced packaging and semiconductor manufacturing solutions. The company's order intake remained high in the third quarter, and its order book reached a new record level, prompting the need for a more scalable and efficient manufacturing structure.
Under the plan approved by the Management Board and Supervisory Board, SUSS will concentrate production activities at its two largest manufacturing sites. Production of mask aligners will gradually be consolidated at the Zhubei site in Taiwan, while module manufacturing will be concentrated in Sternenfels, Germany. Production activities at the Garching site will consequently be discontinued, affecting approximately 70 employees. SUSS stated it is committed to implementing these changes in a socially responsible manner and in close dialogue with employee representatives.
"With this realignment, we are enhancing the scalability of our manufacturing processes, reducing internal interfaces and bringing key production capacities closer to customer markets in Asia," explained Dr. Thomas Rohe, COO of SUSS MicroTec SE. "By consolidating our production activities, we are creating a more efficient and scalable manufacturing structure. This provides the foundation to reliably meet sustained customer demand and support the continued sustainable growth of SUSS."
The company emphasized that Germany remains crucial to its operations. Research and development, key manufacturing, application and technology expertise, as well as headquarters, will stay in Germany and continue to be expanded. CEO Burkhardt Frick noted, "We are firmly embedded in a strong network of research institutions and benefit from a unique innovation ecosystem in Germany and Europe. With our new development and application center currently under construction in Karlsruhe, we are making targeted investments to further strengthen our innovation capabilities."
In connection with the production network optimization, SUSS expects one-off expenses of approximately EUR 6.2 million, of which around EUR 4.5 million will be incurred in fiscal year 2026. The company also anticipates temporary effects on revenue recognition from the relocation and currently constrained supply for certain components, which is expected to defer revenue into fiscal year 2027. As a result, the Management Board has adjusted its guidance for fiscal year 2026, now expecting revenue of EUR 405 million to EUR 425 million, down from the previous range of EUR 425 million to EUR 485 million. The EBIT margin is now projected at 5% to 7%, compared to the prior 8% to 10%. The gross profit margin guidance of 35% to 37% remains unchanged.
"By optimizing our production network, we are aligning our manufacturing footprint with the requirements of SUSS' next phase of growth," said Dr. Cornelia Ballwießer, CFO of SUSS MicroTec SE. "The associated short-term impacts represent a deliberate spending in greater scalability and operational efficiency. This positions us to benefit from the continued growth of the semiconductor equipment market while further strengthening our global competitive position."
Investors can find definitions of alternative performance measures used in this announcement on the company's investor relations page at https://www.suss.com/en/investor-relations/apm. For more information about SUSS, visit www.suss.com. The original press release is available through www.newmediawire.com.
