SUSS MicroTec SE, a leading manufacturer of equipment and process solutions for the semiconductor industry, announced a strategic realignment of its global production network in response to strong order intake and a record order book. The company will consolidate its manufacturing activities at its two largest production sites in Zhubei, Taiwan, and Sternenfels, Germany, and discontinue production at its Garching site. The decision, approved by the Supervisory Board, aims to enhance scalability, efficiency, and customer proximity, particularly in Asia.
The production of mask aligners will gradually be moved to Zhubei, while module manufacturing will be concentrated in Sternenfels. This restructuring will affect approximately 70 employees at Garching, and SUSS is committed to implementing the changes in a socially responsible manner through 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," said 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."
Despite the production shift, SUSS reaffirmed its commitment to Germany as a hub for research, development, and key manufacturing expertise. The company's headquarters will remain in Germany, and it is investing in a new development and application center in Karlsruhe. CEO Burkhardt Frick emphasized, "We are firmly embedded in a strong network of research institutions and benefit from a unique innovation ecosystem in Germany and Europe. We intend to remain an active part of this ecosystem going forward."
The restructuring comes with significant financial implications. SUSS expects one-off expenses of approximately EUR 6.2 million, with around EUR 4.5 million incurred in fiscal year 2026. Additionally, temporary effects on revenue recognition from the production relocation and current supply chain constraints for certain components are expected to defer revenue into fiscal year 2027. As a result, the Management Board has updated its guidance for fiscal year 2026, now anticipating 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 projected at 5% to 7%, compared to the prior 8% to 10%, while 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. 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," explained Dr. Cornelia Ballwießer, CFO of SUSS MicroTec SE.
The company's decision reflects the challenges and opportunities in the semiconductor equipment market, where demand remains strong but supply chain dynamics and operational adjustments can impact near-term financial performance. SUSS's move to optimize its production network is a strategic step to support long-term growth, even as it navigates short-term headwinds. The updated guidance underscores the trade-offs involved in scaling operations to meet customer demand while managing costs and efficiencies. Investors and industry observers will be watching how the company executes this transition and capitalizes on the record order book. For more details, the original release is available on www.newmediawire.com, and definitions of alternative performance measures can be found on the SUSS investor relations page.
