The problem of the supply of semiconductors heavily affected the automotive sector in 2021. As we have seen, the car manufacturers have been forced to review their production plans, in some cases even stopping some production lines. Semiconductor supplies in 2022 they should also improve thanks to an increase in production by companies operating in this field.
In this regard, the news has arrived than Bosch plans to further expand its factory in Reutlingen (Germany) to address the current chip shortage.
The expansion of this production site it will create an additional 3,600 square meters for new production spaces. From 2025, this additional capacity will produce semiconductors based on the technology already present at the Reutlingen plant. Bosch is also expanding an energy plant and will build an additional building for dedicated power systems for both the new and existing production area. The new production area is expected to come into operation in 2025.
To carry out this expansion plan for its Reutlingen factory, Bosch will go to invest over 250 million euros. This figure is in addition to the over 400 million euros already allocated for 2022, again with the aim of expanding the production of chips within its factories in Germany and Malaysia.
The Reutlingen wafer factories use 150mm and 200mm technology, while the Dresden plant produces chips on 300mm wafers.
The further expansion of the Reutlingen site will primarily serve to meet the growing demand for chips in the automotive and consumer sectors, as well as the demand for silicon carbide power semiconductors in the future. Chips will play an increasingly important role within the automotive sector. In fact, cars are increasingly sophisticated from the point of view of technology, so much so that even today we talk about “computers on 4 wheels”.
