SUSS MicroTec SE, a leading manufacturer of equipment and process solutions for the semiconductor industry, has announced a strategic optimization of its global production network. The decision, approved by the Supervisory Board, will see the company concentrate its manufacturing activities at its two largest sites in Zhubei, Taiwan, and Sternenfels, Germany. This move is a direct response to sustained strong order intake and a record order book, which the company says increases visibility into future business development and underscores the need for a scalable and efficient manufacturing structure.
The production of mask aligners will be gradually consolidated at the Zhubei site, while module manufacturing will be concentrated in Sternenfels. As a result, production activities at the Garching site will be discontinued, accompanied by a workforce adjustment affecting approximately 70 employees. SUSS has committed to implementing these changes in a socially responsible manner and in close dialogue with employee representatives. According to Dr. Thomas Rohe, COO of SUSS MicroTec SE, the realignment enhances manufacturing scalability, reduces internal interfaces, and brings key production capacities closer to customer markets in Asia. He emphasized that consolidating production activities creates a more efficient and scalable manufacturing structure, providing the foundation to reliably meet sustained customer demand and support the company's continued sustainable growth.
Despite the relocation of production, SUSS reaffirmed its strong commitment to Germany as a manufacturing, research, and development hub. Research and development, key manufacturing, application and technology expertise, as well as the company's headquarters, will remain in Germany and continue to be expanded. CEO Burkhardt Frick highlighted the company's embeddedness in a strong network of research institutions and its benefit from a unique innovation ecosystem in Germany and Europe. He pointed to the new development and application center currently under construction in Karlsruhe as a targeted investment to further strengthen innovation capabilities and reaffirm the long-term commitment to Germany as a business location. In mid-October, SUSS also announced a strategic partnership with Ignite Next, a European platform connecting leading semiconductor companies, start-ups, investors, and research institutions.
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 are expected to be incurred in fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the company anticipates temporary effects on revenue recognition from the production relocation and is factoring in the currently constrained supply situation for certain components, which is expected to defer revenue into fiscal year 2027. Consequently, the Management Board has adjusted its guidance and now expects revenue in a range 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 previous 8% to 10%. The guidance for the gross profit margin of 35% to 37% remains unchanged. Dr. Cornelia Ballwießer, CFO of SUSS MicroTec SE, explained that the short-term impacts represent a deliberate spending in greater scalability and operational efficiency, positioning the company to benefit from the continued growth of the semiconductor equipment market and further strengthening its global competitive position. The Quarterly Statement as of September 30, 2026, will be published as scheduled on November 5, 2026. The definitions of alternative performance measures used in this announcement are published on the company's website at https://www.suss.com/en/investor-relations/apm. For more information, visit www.suss.com. View the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
