Nexperia, a leading global supplier of semiconductors, has announced a significant investment of €184 million ($200 million) in its Hamburg factory. The investment will be used to develop and produce wide bandgap semiconductors (WBG), which are crucial components for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and digital technologies.
The announcement comes on the 100th anniversary of the Hamburg site, which has a long history in semiconductor manufacturing. It also follows a period of political tension surrounding Nexperia's ownership by Wingtech Technology, a Chinese company with partial state ownership. This ownership structure led to the cancellation of a planned EU grant for Nexperia last year.
Despite this setback, Nexperia is moving forward with its investment, funding it entirely with its own resources. The company sees the development of WBG semiconductors as crucial for the future of e-mobility, the energy transition, and digitalisation.
While the German government has been supportive of other chip manufacturers like Intel and Infineon, Nexperia's Chinese ownership has raised concerns in some political circles. However, the company emphasises the importance of its products for key industries and its commitment to contributing to the technological advancement of Germany.
Nexperia's investment in Hamburg represents a significant commitment to the future of semiconductor manufacturing in Europe. The company's focus on WBG semiconductors, which are more energy-efficient than traditional silicon chips, aligns with broader goals of sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
