This EIB operation supports the only major silicon wafer supplier outside Asia, financing key investments in the EU semiconductor value chain and strengthening the competitiveness of the EU semiconductor industry.

Silicon wafers are thin disks of semiconductor material used to fabricate integrated circuits and other microelectronic devices. Without silicon wafers, everyday objects, such as smartphones, computers, navigation systems, and displays, would be inconceivable. 

Siltronic: What you need to know

Based out of Munich, Siltronic AG is a manufacturer of wafers made of hyperpure silicon, the basis for modern micro-and nano-technology. 

Currently, Siltronic is the world’s fourth-largest silicon wafer manufacturer with a global market share of around 13 per cent, and is the technology leader for hyperpure silicon wafers, with production sites in Germany, Singapore, and the United States.

Christoph von Plotho, CEO of Siltronic AG, says, “We are pleased to step up our research and development in Germany with the support of the EIB. This will strengthen our global market position for specialty silicon wafer products and help expand our footprint in Europe.”

EIB: What you need to know

The EIB is the European Union’s long-term lending institution owned by the EU Member States. It offers long-term loans for investments that support EU policy goals. Infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and SMEs are the bank’s top priority project funding areas.

EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, who is responsible for EIB projects in Germany, says, “We are proud to be part of a project that secures the highest level of technological proficiency for the European Union. We view Siltronic as a company of strategic importance for Europe. As the project will be implemented in Freiberg and Burghausen, it will secure jobs in Saxony and Bavaria.”