AIXTRON AG (FSE: AIXA, ISIN
DE000A0WMPJ6; NASDAQ: AIXG, ISIN US0096061041) today announced an important
step in the implementation of its accelerated Research and Development strategy
by building a new state of the art R+D campus at its premises in Herzogenrath-Kohlscheid
in support of the company's Research and Development strategy.
The new facility will be able to host up to 350 engineers at the end of phase
1, significantly increasing the laboratory resources and prototype capabilities
used to develop next generation complex material deposition manufacturing systems.
To fully develop these new modular cutting edge facilities, AIXTRON plans to
invest up to €40m over the next 2-3 years. The new facilities will utilize
a renewable energy design to minimize its carbon footprint.
AIXTRON will continue to focus the principal manufacturing of standard deposition
equipment at its nearby main facilities in Herzogenrath, Kaiserstraße,
supported by the engineering and assembly locations in Cambridge, UK, and Sunnyvale,
US.
Paul Hyland, Chief Executive Officer of AIXTRON AG, comments: “This is
a vitally important next step in the implementation of our product development
strategy and the accelerated timing reflects the recent increase in volume and
momentum we have seen in the markets we serve. It also underlines our commitment
to deliver continuous improvement to the productivity of our products for our
customers.
Looking at our near-term objectives; the requirement to meet the improved performance
and reduced cost of ownership objectives necessary to support needs of the emerging
LED general lighting market will require significant focus and commitment. This
new facility will further increase our ability to be able to deliver both of
these requirements.
AIXTRON's acknowledged market leadership is built on our renowned technology
leadership. As we go into a very exciting period of innovation and growth, it
is our firm intention to step up a gear to maintain our position of being always
one step ahead."